Dizzy

Authors: Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Format: Kindle
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: November 15, 2012
Publisher: Next Door Books
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.

Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.

There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.

But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?
Dizzy is a novel about what happens when two people who are determined not to fall in love, maybe do anyway. Maybe.

Review
Consider me one of these two wonderful authors biggest fans after reading this book. I have always loved Ms. Nyrae Dawn's books and this is by far the best book she has ever written. I would say the same to Ms. Jolene Perry, but I have never read any of her books before. Now I know what I have been missing. Dang! After witnessing this wonderful piece of work, we have an equation: 

Nyrae Dawn + Jolene Perry = A breathtaking, swoon-worthy book

Let's start with one of the most important part of the book (in my opinion). The cover. To be honest, I was not very impressed with the cover. Take a good look at it! It was not that unattractive, I know. But it had no wow factor either. Seriously, what with the wall thing?

Well, people always say "Do not judge a book by its cover." Which is absolutely right in this case. Even I really didn't like the cover much, this book knocked the socks off me. And I didn't even wear socks. I had so much fun reading this book. I could not remember the last time a book has made me laugh this hard or smile this much. Both main characters, Dylan and Ziah, were so adorable and funny. When I read it, if I was not laughing, I was smiling. This book made me look like an idiot, and I love everything about it. Hmmm, except the cover, of course.

If I Lie

Author: Corrine Jackson
Pages: 276
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: August 28 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise. 

Favorite Quote
The military isn't so different from screwed-up families everywhere. Sacrifice everything, including your life, and it still isn't enough. ~ chapter 19

Review
I haven't read a book that made me cry this hard for months now. I loved everything about it, from the first chapter until the last one. I loved how unpredictable the book was. It left me shock and eager to find out what would happen next.

If you haven't read the book yet, please do.  The book is well-written and the characters are very interesting, multi-dimentional.

Below contains spoiler, so be warned!

Starting out, I was not so sure about the book, frankly speaking. In chapter one, I thought it was just another book about teenage drama. I ached for Quinn when she was picked on when I was not so sure what the reason was. Then when I found out she hooked up with another guy and he was Carey's best friend, Blake, even I still hated the way they hurt her, I knew why. Or so I thought. And then I learnt that Carey was gay. Surely I did not see that coming! It was not fair to Quinn how Carey had lied to her for all those years.

I really liked Quinn. She was so strong and brave. I admired how she protected Carey, even it ruined her life. She was forgiving, to some level. I loved how she finally let go of the anger she felt when her "friends" bullied.

The second most favorite character in the book, in my opinion, was George. Grumpy old man, with such a good heart. He made me laugh and cried countless times. He was just likable despite how irritable he sometimes was trying to be.

Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio
Pages: 313
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Published Date: February 14 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
Synopsis
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R.J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Review
I am not sure how to start. This book means so much to me. It was so incredibly written that everything about it was just amazing. It has been awhile since I last read a book that affected me this much.

This was told from multiple point of views - Auggie, Via (Auggie's big sister), Summer (Auggie's friend), Jack (Auggie's friend), Justin (Via's boyfriend), Miranda (Via's former best friend). Therefore, we can see the story from different angles. And that was one of the reason I loved about this book.

This book sends several important messages. I loved how it showed the important of friendship, how to stay true to yourself no matter what happens. This book moved me more than words can describe. It is kind of book that everyone should read.

Point of Retreat

Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Slammed
Book: 2
Pages: 300
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: February 25 2012
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Rating: ❤❤

Synopsis
Hardships and heartache brought them together…now it will tear them apart.

Layken and Will have proved their love can get them through anything; until someone from Will’s past re-emerges, leaving Layken questioning the very foundation on which their relationship was built. Will is forced to face the ultimate challenge…how to prove his love for a girl who refuses to stop ‘carving pumpkins.’ 

Review
As much as I loved the first book, Slammed, I have to be honest and say that this book, Point of Retreat, is a disappointment comparing to the first book, which I loved so much. I was so thrilled when I started reading. Who would not? This one was even told from Will's point of view!

This book continued telling the lives of these young lovers after Lake's mother passed away. It was a one-year-later kind of book. I hope it makes sense. Anyway, since this book was told from Will's POV, I began to see Lake for her true self - an immature, annoying girl. There were so many times that I wanted to straggle her for being so irritable.

Let's start with the time Will and Lake had a misunderstanding. She started acting weird. For a 19-year-old girl who was supposed to be the legal guardian of her brother, Lake behaved like a 5year old. Sneaking in to Will's house to get the stars her mother had left her (we'll get to that later), and shoved them in her shirt when she was caught. Please! That was so cheesy.

Another one was after she was discharged from the hospital, part of her hair had been cut/shaved in order for the doctors to do their job saving her freaking life. And she cried for that? Really? That was supposed to be one of the "romantic" part of the book, I presumed, when Will, being a nice, but silly man that he was, cut a part of his hair also to make her feel better. That was so stupid if you ask me. If I were Will, I would have said, "Oh, grow up!"

As for the stars left by Lake's mother for both Will and Lake to turn to when their lives were getting too tough, I found that was so unrealistic whatsoever. It gave advice just like the mother was still alive. Like she saw what was happening.Oh, please! That was too good to be true.

I cannot tell you how many books I have read that adapt similar plot where the girlfriend caught her boyfriend being with another girl, and misunderstood that for cheating. Once I read and found out the author also added Will's ex-girlfriend, Vaughn, it was kind of predictable how the story would go.

I am sure many people will disagree with me. But this is how I felt about the book. I really respect the author for her hard-work. However, Lake was too butterflying annoying!!!

One Moment

Author: Kristina McBride
Pages: 272
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: June 26 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤
 
Synopsis
Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below–dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

Review
I hated this book for making me so furious. I was a mess after reading this book because it was just too frustrating reading about a book based on this kind of topic. What Shannon and Joey had done toward Maggie was so unfair to her. Joey did not deserved to die, though, but Shannon did!

The book was a bit predictable, but I still enjoyed it greatly (despite how furious I was). The ending was so sweet and romantic. I was so glad that Maggie was finally able to let go of her anger and feeling for Joey and moved on. And Adam was so adorable and sweet. It was nice that Adam and Maggie eventually found their happy ending after what their "friends" had done to them.

Slammed

Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Slammed
Book: 1
Pages: 314
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: January 5th 2012
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Favorite Quote
"...I wanted to hold onto it forever. I wanted to let her know that she wasn't alone. Whatever burden it was that she was carrying around, I wanted to carry it for her." ~ Slammed

Review
First of, let's give Ms. Colleen Hoover a big round of applause for her amazing work.

I meant to read this book long ago, but hesitated because people told me there were poems in the book. Just so you know, I am not a big fan of poems. Then a few people in Goodreads said I had to read it and read it quick. So since I had nothing to lose, I read the book. And two words... Will Cooper! If you have not read this book, go find a copy now. I read it in one sitting, so you may need a comfortable chair.

Let's start with the poems. I normally yawn when it comes to poem. But boys, this book changes my perspective on poems. The poems in the book were so beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes. They cut me open, took out my heart and stomped on it, and yet I begged for more. Well, metaphorically speaking. You get the idea! My favorite one, beside Lake, is the first poem in the book, Blue Sweater.

 Besides the tear-jerking poems, I loved Layken, aka Lake, and Will. They were a perfect couple. Will was so dreamy. Good-looking, smart, responsible and gentle. He was a complete package. They fell for each other since the first time they set eyes on one another, but their relationship was deeper than physical attraction. I do not mind insta-love, even sometimes I can't help rolling my eyes. However, this book made it romantic and, well, just perfect.

Again, if you have not read it yet, you should read it, like right now! This is a must-read.

52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Author: Jessica Brody
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: July 3, 2012
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis 
Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.

Favorite Quote
Because apart we might be as different as night and ay, black and white, right and wrong, but together we create two sides of a whole. Together we balance. ~ 52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Review
How should I begin? This book is just out-of-this-world good. It is a kind of book that you pick up and cannot put down until you finish the last page and wish there were more than just 352 pages. This is how I feel about this book.

Lexi was a spoiled rich girl. A diva. So it was obvious I did not like her much when I began reading the book. Her attitude was so over the top! She did not appreciate how luck she was to have everything she ever wanted. She was rude and over-of-control. To set Lexi straight, her father made her perform in 52 different jobs. Of course she had another choice. She could refuse not to follow what her father had set out for her, but she would lose her 25-million-dollar trust fund.  So yes, Lexi wanted that trust fund; therefore, she had to take on those 52 jobs. The jobs taught Lexi to be more than just another rich, beautiful girl.

Some parts of the book might be a little over the top. Such as the fact that Lexi, except being spoiled, was almost too perfect to be true. She was rich, smart, beautiful and despite her less-than-perfect  behavior, people seemed to like her anyway. Well, it was not a big problem for me though. I enjoyed the book and the way the author told the story was so captivating.

I have always enjoyed the books that are unpredictable and this book is just that. I loved the twist and the ending was just amazing. Oh, how could I forget to mention Luke? He was so adorable. As much as he had helped Lexi get through her "assignment", Lexi also taught him how to enjoy life more. To loosen up a bit. I loved their chemistry. And the fact that it was not another instant love connection like some books I have read recently made it even more interesting to see how they fell in love.

In short, I loved the book! It is well-written with great characters and plots.