My Darling Arrow by Saffron A. Kent

It feels like I've waited so long for this book and it has finally arrived. My Darling Arrow feels like a hybrid between YA/NA and while that is not my preferred genre, I could not resist reading a Saffron Kent book and she certainly delivered. Fans of her will be glad to know that there is more to Arrow and Salem than meets the eye. Salem is adorable, quirky, and so in love with Arrow. She made some questionable decisions but I still supported her nonetheless. Now as for Arrow, he was definitely an interesting character and not who I thought he would be. Arrow is angry, moody, gruff, and had the idea of "perfection" installed in him at a young age. It's quite tragic really.

"Maybe it's you. Maybe your bring out the worst in me. And you wanted me, didn't you? You wanted my fire. My heat. My fury... Well, you got me. Every broken, cut-open piece of me."

Arrow and Sarah (Salem's sister) have been dating for almost eight years and were planning on getting married. As a result, Salem wanted to run away so she decided to steal money from Arrow's mother, who happens to be her guardian. Unfortunately, she was caught and now Salem is spending her senior year at St. Mary's. Thankfully, she's not there alone. She ends up befriending three other young women named Callie, Wyn, and Poe and their friendship is adorable. I don't want to spoil too much of what happens between Salem and Arrow, but there is a reason why Arrow is back in town and "recovering from an injury." Arrow has never noticed Salem before but she has his attention now and he is finally seeing her for the first time. Be rest assured that there is no cheating involved, especially on Arrow's behalf.

"The girl wth thirteen freckles and witchy eyes. The girl who changed my life and taught me things about myself. The girl I'm in love with. My Sweet Salem."

Arrow and Salem go through a lot to finally be together. Their relationship felt like it was going nowhere at first because she was simply the Rebound Girl but things started to change. Saffron Kent writes some of the most sexiest and hot love scenes and she did not disappoint with this book! Arrow is one heck of a dirty talker and Salem is only too willing to share herself with him and make him happy. Overall, I seriously enjoyed this book and I simply can't wait to read Callie and Reed's book next! Fans of Saffron Kent will surely devour this book.

*This ARC was generously provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions and Saffron Kent for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Cover Reveal: The Girl & Her Ren by Pepper Winters

If you've read my review of The Boy & His Ribbon, you'll know that I absolutely loved that book so imagine me holding my breath after getting an email from Pepper Winters herself telling me that she already has the cover for The Girl & Her Ren. And you know what? It's absolutely freaking gorgeous, breathtaking, beautiful, and a complete match to Ren's book.

The Girl & Her Ren by Pepper Winters 

The Ribbon Duet Book 2 

Publication Date: 5th June 2018 

Genre: Coming of Age Romance

“What do you do when you write down all your secrets? No…that’s not enough. What do you do when you write down all your secrets and the one person who should never read them does?

I’ll tell you what you do.

You hope.”

REN

Ren didn’t know the meaning of love until he took Della for his own.

To begin with he hated her, but as the months bled into years, he learned the opposite of hate, dedicating his life to giving her everything.

Every sacrifice, every gift, he gave wholeheartedly.

But then love turned to lust and ruined everything.

DELLA

I was stupid to write my secrets down, but I’d been stupid before so it was nothing new.

I couldn’t blame him, hate him, fix him.

I tried to move on without him.

But no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to delete the secrets I’d written.

Until something happened.

Until he came back and read my stupid secrets.

And nothing was the same after that.

READ THE FIRST BOOK The Boy & His Ribbon TODAY!

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About the Author:

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 19 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-six times in three years.

Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2017.

Connect with the Author:

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The Boy & His Ribbon by Pepper Winters

Emotional, heartbreaking, and a unique spin to a "brother and sister" relationship.

First off, I just want to say that Pepper blew me away with this book. It took me awhile to read it and now I'm kicking myself for taking so long. It's amazing. It's absolutely addicting and so very sad. I thought Pepper had outdone herself with the Dollars series but THIS?! This book is Pepper's best writing to date. The fact that I stayed up late with tears in my eyes to finish it says a lot. It reads almost like a saga/legacy because we see how Ren and Della grow up and the struggles they go through in this life-long journey from adolescents to adults.

Let's start off with the premise of this book: It's unlike anything I've read before. Sure, there were certain elements of it that have been explored in the romance genre prior but The Boy & His Ribbon is a hybrid of all things combined. It's a character-driven book and I loved that. We're first introduced to Ren and quickly realize the situation he's in - he is a slave, bought and purchased by a farm family known as the Mclary's. The book moves very quick, which is something I don't mind, and Ren encounters the unexpected during his escape: A young baby girl, the very daughter of the slave owners who tortured him, in his backpack.

Throughout their entire journey together, Della and Ren will both experience love and sacrifice, the pains and struggles of growing up, teenage angst, sex, betrayal, and many, many mistakes and misunderstandings along the way. I won't go into detail as to who they meet but there's one thing I will say: One mistake will change everything. My heart completely broke after it happened and it hurts to think about what could have been. If things were done differently, if they had waited...

Anyway, I highly recommend this book to those who are looking for some angst and gut-wrenching moments with a side of unrequited love. I had to go through several tissues while reading this book and all I can say is that IT WAS WORTH IT.

* This book was generously provided by Pepper Winters and Social Butterfly Books for an honest review. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Once Upon A [Stolen] Time by Samreen Ahsan

Thank you to Samreen Ahsan for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Samreen Ahsan's Once Upon A [Stolen] Time was my first introduction to the author and I can say I am absolutely intrigued by her. When I first started reading, I was captured by the setting and time-traveling aspect. I had hoped for a kick ass heroine, a dark and tragic hero, and an amazing love story. What I got was a little bit different but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. 

Myra was a heroine I had a hard time connecting to. It felt like I was inside a sixteen-year old's teenage brain who constantly had her head in the clouds. She's very into princes, princesses, castles... you get the drift. Basically, she's enamored with fairy tales and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just didn't connect with her. Edward on the other hand... I was curious about. The premise of the hero living in an entirely different time period from the heroine was quite interesting and I wanted to know how the two could possibly end up together, especially when separated by time itself. I loved reading in Edward's point of view and I felt for this complex and tragic character.

"Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a beast that imprisoned his prey outside of time. He captured her, unraveled her, destroyed her and never let her go."

Like many others before me, I struggled with starting this book and had a hard time getting into it. But once the ball started rolling, so to speak, I became a lot more interested and invested in the mystery as well as Myra and Edward's romance. It felt real and I was moved by Edward especially in his affection for Myra.

"There were only two people in this time. Just me and him, as the world spun into a timeless abyss."

In the end, Samreen Ahsan's unique writing and sweet romance between Edward and Myra had me looking forward to the next book. It almost had a Beauty and the Beast feel to it, one of my favorite Disney movies and stories. While the book does end in a cliffhanger and we have no idea when Samreen will write the next one, this was still a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it for the tortured hero and his romance with our contemporary heroine.

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J. Maas

* * * This review will contain major spoilers * * *

A Court of Thorns and Roses was my first Sarah J. Maas book and I'm ashamed to say that I have not started her Throne of Glass series yet. This book has it all: love, sex (I know; I was definitely surprised), deception, magic, good versus evil, and plenty of action! I fell in love with Prythian, the faerie world in which Tamlin, Lucien (Tamlin's best friend), Rhysand, and eventually Feyre all reside in. Although it may be a dangerous and treacherous world, it's also extruciatingly beautiful as well. Besides being a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this story also has elements of other mythology in it as well. I'm very interested in what Sarah has in store for us when it comes to the love triangle between Tamlin, Rhysand, and Feyre. I hate love triangles but... I can't help but ship both.

Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court

"I love you," he whispered, and kissed my brow. "Thorns and all."

I don't even know where to begin. There were so many things I loved about Tamlin and Feyre's relationship. Tamlin is literally the beast. He can actually shift into a lion-like creature! At least that's what I imagine him to look like. Unlike Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Feyre initially has a cold and distrustful nature towards the fae. Due to her family's destitute situation, she is forced to hunt for both herself and her family while growing up in order to survive in a world gone mad. Feyre is eventually forced into the world of Prythian due to one of her actions and comes across the path of Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court. What I loved most about their relationship and romance was the slow burn and how it progressed naturally. From Feyre's mistrust of all faeries and Tamlin to her realizing that she loves him and will sacrifice her life just to break his curse. Furthermore, Tamlin and Feyre have some amazing chemistry! Their love scenes were very poetic and sensual. My heart broke for them near the end and I cried for both Feyre's desperate situation and her love for Tamlin.

Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court

"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all."

Rhysand was such an interesting character! At first I hated him... but there were so many facets to his character that I ended up becoming fascinated with him. He reminded me of Loki, whom I secretly adore, due to his "games" and pranks in the book in addition to his dark and mischievous nature. His relationship with Feyre was an interesting one and I'm sure Sarah will have us guessing and anticipating what will become of them in the next book! As a result of her deal with Rhysand, Feyre will have to spend one week with Rhysand in the Night Court for the rest of her life. Uh oh, that does not bode well for Tamlin! A lot of people have speculated that their relationship resembled Hades and Persephone's and I can actually see it happening. But yes, Feyre's time under captivation in Amarantha's court Under the Mountain was when Rhysand started to grow on me and you'll eventually see how. Let's just say there is more to his character than meets the eye, of course. I've been seeing a lot of people ship Feyre and Rhysand and while that saddens me (since I personally ship Feyre and Tamlin a bit more), we'll just have to see how their relationship will progress in the next book!

A Court of Thorns and Roses ends with a high note with no cliffhangers that has readers anticipating what the author has in store for us next! Feyre is essentially broken by the end of this book as a result of her choices and actions in breaking Tamlin's curse when it comes to saving both the faerie and human world. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who are looking for a great high fantasy novel with wonderful characters and an intricate world full of possibilities, danger, magic, and even love.

Rating: ★★★★★

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

** 5 AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND BITTERSWEET STARS **

Isla and the Happily Ever After is the third and possibly last book in the Anna and the French Kiss series and we have all waited a very long time for it in anticipation. I can't even begin to describe how happy and heartbroken I was by the end of this book. I am not ready to let these precious characters go... I want to read more about life and what may happen to them in the future. But even so, I know it's probably for the best. Anyway, starting from the get-go, you're immediately thrust into Isla's head and her interactions with her long-time crush, Josh Wasserstein. I adore Isla when it comes to her witty responses and dorky personality as well as her depreciating manner. And Josh! How can I ever forget him. The sweet, funny, and just adorable artist whom Isla has had a crush on since forever. They're literally a match made in heaven and I loved how adorable they were together.

"It’s midnight, it’s sweltering, and I might be high on Vicodin, but that guy - that guy right over there - that’s him. The him."

Many readers may say that their love happened way too quickly, but that's where you're wrong. Josh has always noticed Isla and she, him. Although they didn't get together, Isla became the one person who truly mattered and one whom Josh came to love dearly. I knew from the beginning that there would eventually be heartbreak between Isla and Josh... and Stephanie Perkins definitely delivered. Many tears will be shed, you hear me! I was absolutely devastated starting from 60% to the end. Something really sad happened and Isla begins to doubt herself as well as her relationship with Josh. Don't get me wrong, I actually sympathized with her. Josh was becoming, well, rather distant. He barely had time for her and not to mention long-distance relationships don't always work out in the end. Thankfully! Everything worked out in the end for those two because I was near the breaking point. I wanted things to work out between them so badly and that separation nearly broke my heart.

"I’m... getting there. I’m beginning to think that maybe it’s okay to be a blank canvas. Maybe it’s okay that my future is unknown. And maybe, it’s okay to be inspired by the people who do know their future."

Rating: ★★★★★

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I bloody freaking loved this book!

I knew Alex was "special" for a reason and I'm glad that I was able to guess what she is. Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout is basically the love child of the Vampire Academy series and the Percy Jackson series. I'm not even joking. Alexandria Andros is the heroine of this series and let me just tell you this: She is KICK ASS, funny, witty, and is also extremely relatable. I felt so much sympathy for her throughout the entire book... but at the same time, I wanted her to grow stronger and become something amazing!

Aiden St. Delphi happens to be Alex's love interest and oh boy, was it definitely forbidden. The forbidden love stems from the fact that these characters live in a world where they are descendants of Greek Gods. Aiden is a pure-blood while Alex is a half-blood. Half-bloods are those who are born from mortal and pure-blood parents and there is a law that forbids half-bloods from romancing with pure-bloods. So yes, forbidden love factor? Check! It's very similar to Rose and Dimitri's situation from The Vampire Academy series. But even though I did love Aiden and Alex's chemistry together... the one character whom I'm actually very intrigued about is no other than SETH! Oh man. I know, I know. Not another love triangle again, right?! Well.... this is actually different and you will eventually see why. A love that is FATED or one that is FORBIDDEN. I wonder who Alex will pick in the end.

The thing I loved most about this book was the many twists and surprises throughout the book. It kept me very interested and wanting more! (view spoiler)[The fact that Alex's mom turned out to be NOT dead was a huge surprise for me. She had become a daimon instead. (hide spoiler)] Daimons are beings that had originated as pure-bloods... but because they chose to drink the Aether (I suppose it's a special elixir in the blood) from either the pure-bloods or half-bloods, they essentially become "monsters." Monsters with incredible strength and magic. I'm not going to go into much detail, but there is a school where half-bloods and pure-bloods attend so that they can fight and destroy daimons. After being attacked by a daimon, Alex decides to go back to the covenant and try to train herself to become a Sentinel.

Overall, I'm truly glad that I was able to read this book. I am definitely hooked! The Covenant series is everything that I've wanted in a YA novel and more. I am not disappointed and I highly recommend this book! Looking forward to the next book, Pure, and I can't wait for Deity in November!

Rating: ★★★★★

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman is a story about adventure. It's a story about finding self-worth and an unexpected love in a world where humans and dragons do not get along. Within that world lies our heroine, Seraphina Dombegh, who is both human and dragon. She lives in a world where humans and dragons are at peace with one another... but there is tension in the air when one of the family members of the royal court is found dead. I absolutely love Seraphina and the world that she is bound in! She is fierce, loyal, and extremely intelligent. Rachel Hartman stuns readers with her sightful imagination and world building! If you're familiar with epic fantasy books with dragons in it, you should definitely check this book out. I was fortunate enough to read this book months before it was released. Fans of this genre should not miss out the opportunity to read it once it releases this upcoming July! This is definitely a keeper for me!

One of my favorite aspect about this book was the mystery behind the murder of Prince Rufus and the blossoming romance between Seraphina and Prince Lucian Kiggs. I mean, how adorable can they be? And by that, VERY. Here's a scene that I absolutely found cute between them!

"Have you read Belondweg?"
"I couldn't call myself much of a scholar if I hadn't," he said.
He was so adorable and he made me smiled, but I couldn't let him see.

And can I just say how much I loved it when Kiggs slips and calls her Phina instead of Seraphina? I'm such a sap. Anyway, the mystery beind Prince Rufus' death was the main star of the book. Someone was trying the break the peace treaty between the humans and the dragons by killing the royals! And Seraphina plans to find out who.

In the end, I loved this book and the characters in it. Few of my favorites would be Orma, Seraphina's uncle and music teacher, and Princess Glisselda, Prince Lucian Kigg's fiancee. I know, shocker right? How can Seraphina and Kiggs be together now?! You'll just have to read and find out! The ending was rather bittersweet... but very hopeful at the same time. I guess it will lead us right into the sequel! It can't be the end already, can it? We'll see about that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for giving me permission to read this ARC!

Rating: ★★★★★

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is a book about demons, angels, and magic. It's about finding out your true purpose in life (well, more like Karou’s purpose) is, reincarnation, and finding the love of your life again. This book is the true definition of star-crossed lovers. Karou was a kick-ass heroine from the very beginning, whose side is with the chimaera (demons), versus Akiva whose allegiance belongs with the angels. A war has been going on between these two races for thousands of years and now the angels are back. Karou and Akiva meet under unexpected circumstances where he attacks and injures her on one of her errands. And there, begins the raveling of Karou’s unique relationship with Akiva.

I absolutely loved this book. It was so heartbreaking and beautifully wrapped in one marvelous package. It almost reminded me of The Night Circus by Erin Morgernstern because this author's prose was that good! I honestly can't comprehend how gorgeous the writing was. The secret to Karou's past was both mind-blowing and so bittersweet. I can't condemn Akiva for doing what he did... but I also can't forgive him for doing that to Karou. I'm really interested as to where Laini Taylor will lead her story next. The ending will definitely leave you breathless and heartbreak because that's exactly how I felt. I refuse to spoil anything further because you will see the greatness of this book when you read it.

Definitely recommended to all YA readers and fans of paranormal romance. I even recommend it to those who hate reading novels about angels because this book will change your mind. I absolutely guarantee it!

Rating: ★★★★★

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

A story about love, murder, lies, secrets onboard a spaceship called Godspeed travelling to a unknown planet and future. Across the Universe by Beth Revis is defined by all the traits and more. It's a story about a group of people who plan to travel to a new world in order to build a better place; as a result, they’re frozen in time until the ship arrives there. The ship was planned to arrive in the new planet around 300 years into the future, but unexpectantly, Amy (our heroine) wakes up 50 years later trapped in a world that she doesn’t recognize and ruled by a disturbing system with an evil dictator. There, she also meets Elder (our hero) who pretty much falls from her ever since he set his eyes on Amy.

At first, I was quite wary of starting this book because in a lot of the reviews that I've read, many have said that it was 'sleep inducing.' While I do admit that the beginning started off really slow, the story soon picks up when Amy wakes up for the first time ever since she was frozen 250 years back. Amy is then thrown into a world where she doesn't really recognize as her own. Everything is so different... and we find out the reason as to who was behind it towards the end of the book. Thinking about it now still makes me shudder. How can... they stand it? It would be like living but trapped inside a cage until who knows when you'll arrive on the new planet. And as a reader, I also felt trapped like Amy and wonder like Elder because there are two point of views in this book.

All I can say is, the ending pretty much shocked me to the core. While other readers might say that this book was pretty predictable, I never really suspected that from Elder. Orion had always felt suspicious to me and it was quite obvious that Eldest was also evil as well. Overall, this was a great debut book for author Beth Revis! I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to tackle the sequel, A Million Suns soon!

Rating: ★★★★★

Divergent by Veronica Roth

“I might be in love with you." He smiles a little. "I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you, though.”

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a captivating story about a young girl who ultimately has to decide whether she wants to stay with her family or leave them behind forever. Like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins but entirely different, out heroine Tris Prior, lives in a dystopian world where a faction's society and value determines who you are. Tris ends up leaving her faction of Abengation and enters the world of the Dauntless; where danger, violence, betrayal, and even an unexpected love awaits her.

I absolutely love this book. It took me two days to finish it and I still want to read it again! Although I do admit that the world building was quite confusing at first and might need a bit of more info... for an author's first debut trilogy, this is a great example of what a Dystopian YA novel should be. There was plently of action and if you're a fan of The Hunger Games, you should check this little gem out! One of the things that I loved most about this book was the sweet and fragile romance between Four and Tris. They are perfect for one another in every way because despite what others may think, I believe that Four loves Tris for who she is-- nevermind the fact how swhe downgrades the way she looks and whatnot. Call me a romantic, but that's what I am.

Overall, I'm glad that Veronica Roth did not leave her readers and overbearing cliffhanger. I wouldn't be able to stand that, but still... she did leave us wanting more. And that's why Insurgent shall bring it all back with a bang! Seriously, this was a great book. I don't even know why it took me so long to even read it... but hey. I did in the end and that's all that matter!

Rating: ★★★★★

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Dear Julie Kagawa, thank you for writing this series and thank you for making it one that will forever be close to my heart. I have and will always support you 100% when it comes to your books and The Iron Knight is definitely no exception! It rocked my world and now that it's over... I'm really sad to see it end. At least in my mind, I'll know that Meghan, Ash, and Puck are out there somewhere living their happy ever after. This book was the perfect conclusion to a 'faery' tale love story and I adore Ash even more after reading it. Truly, I am sincerely thankful to Netgalley for letting me reading this arc! God, I'm feeling sentimental already.

In this latest installment of the Iron Fey series, Ash and his companions: Puck, Grim, someone who I can't tell you because that will be a big spoiler!!!, and the Big Bad Wolf. Remember him from Winter's Passage? It's a crazy adventure to begin with because this book takes us far beyond the world of the NeverNever and into the Deep Wyld and finally, The End of the World in order for him to obtain a soul. It's so heartbreaking to see how even though Ash thoroughly loves Meghan, he is stuck between two choices... and he has to end up with one final sacrifice in the end.

I was extremely fascinated by the town of Phaed in the Deep Wyld, where faeries and creatures who are no longer remembered and are essentially 'Forgotten.' With Puck as the comic relief, it's an understatement to say that this book did not make me laugh. I love Puck... and I really wanted him to obtain his own happy ending. I was kind of confused with the last bit of the epilogue, but after reading it again? I get it and I'm super happy with the ending result!

And even though Meghan didn't exactly appear much in The Iron Knight, her presence is always there. The reason to Ash's entire resolve to gain a soul is ultimately because of Meghan... and I was almost left with no hope for them when Ash took his final test. Living a life as a human and growing old... while Meghan (and their son!!!! I totally died at this point) lives on forever and never age. How tragic is that?! But oh no, this is when Julie Kagawa pulls her last twist in the book and it totally surprised and delighted me. So overall, if you have been with this series all the way from the beginning, you will definitely love this book! Hey, you'll know when a book is that good whenever you think about it and you smile.

Rating: ★★★★★

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Oddly, I liked this book yet it also bored me to tears. It appears that the only thing that I was interested in was the relationship between Kat and Hale. I mean, what is with them?! It seems like they both have feelings for one another... but neither of them acknowledges it. It's a pretty interesting relationship because Hale admits that he does all of these things "for her." The reason is always Kat. And Kat always gets nervous and her heart starts beating pretty fast when he's around. Yeah, they totally have the hots for each other.

The plot itself was pretty predictable... but it was interesting to see a bunch of kids try to hack into a high-security art gallery and steal back the paintings that was previously stolen. The supporting characters was also a nice touch to the story: For example Kat's cousin Gabrielle, Angus and Hamish the childhood friends, Simon the genius, and last but not least, Hale the mysterious and handsome friend as well as the other counterpart to Kat!

Overall, it was a pretty fun read and I truly enjoyed it! I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel to this since it would have to depend if there's going to be more Kat/Hale... but, we'll see. 4/5 stars!

Rating: ★★★★☆

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have a devastating love for this series. I mean, look at my icon! It features Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming movie for this book. But anyway, I'm digressing. When I first read this book, I was reluctant to like it because books about dystopian communities has never been my kind of thing... but woah! Suzanne Collins literally blew me away when Katniss finally enters the stadium to compete for her life. I adore Katniss because she's not a Mary-Sue, others may disagree by saying she's annoying and indecisive, but I love her nonethless. She can fight for herself, and I think it's amazing how the arena truly makes her shine. I admit that the book started out pretty slow... but it picks up when the competition starts and a whole mess of tributes start dropping like flies.

This book is truly not for everyone, but it's definitely an eye opener because The Hunger Games is not a story about love or romance. It's a story about the harsh realities of war, death, poverty, and ultimately the strain in a totalitarianism government. I don't get why Hollywood is repeatedly saying that The Hunger Games will become another Twilight... when it's not. At all. How the hell can you compare the Mary-Sue Bella Swan to someone like Katniss Everdeen?! They're not even in the same category! If Bella was to be dropped in the arena? I'm pretty sure she wouldn't last. Hah, it's only my opinion though so.

As for the writing, the author does a pretty amazing job of keeping the story told through Katniss' eyes fast-paced and clear. Unlike other heroines, Katniss is completely dense when it comes to anything romantic. Which is why we have Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne for that. Oh, Peeta. And this is where the famous love triangle begins! It was quite understandable that for the first book in any series, not everything has to be explained and detailed. Well, for this book, that would have to be the romance. The Hunger Games overall, is a very action-based book, but there are also hints of a romance underway... and Catching Fire will be the one to continue it. Overall, I've read this book about two times and I seriously wouldn't mind reading it again. In fact, I'm actually planning to later on. Suzanne Collins has definitely made a name for herself and this is probably why a movie is in the making for this series! 5/5 stars!!

Rating: ★★★★★

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy is honestly one of the best paranormal YA book that I've read this year! I can not wait for Supernaturally next month?! Holy cow. I absolutely adored Evie and Lend. It was like a girl meets boy kind of thing and aaah. It was so sweet! How their first kiss went and how she didn't want to hurt him after finding out what paranormal she was was so touching. If you're in the lookout for a wonderful paranormal book with a sassy, cute, witty, girl who loves pink, and a kick ass heroine... you're definitely looking at Evie! Lend is also an awesome hero because woah, have you ever met someone who can shape-shift into anything that he or she chooses to be and whose mother is a water spirit? I don't think so! He's sexy, hot, and just sweet and loveable towards Evie. Their get-together was so real. And I don't know about you... but Reth is one hot mess. He's supposedly the "bad guy" and in a way, he totally is. He's a Seelie faerie... but a creepy one at that. As readers, we don't exactly know the two courts' motives yet so we'll just have to find out in the next books! Anyway, I totally prefer Lend over Reth. Evie definitely chosed the right guy for herself. *wink*

The story and plot had a unique touch to it, so kudos to Kiersten White. Ever since she was three years old, Evie has always worked for the IPCA-- also known as the International Paranormal Containment Agency. The IPCA is an organization that is dedicated to paranormals and keeping normal people or "humans" from knowing about them. Well, things go from good to bad when paranormals suddenly start dying! Obviously, Evie thinks that this isn't any of her business because she's a human... right? Actually, no. Evie is in fact a LEVEL 7 paranormal! LEVEL 6 are faeries and the higher the level, the more dangerous the paranormal is. Uh oh! What exactly is Evie then?!

I'm not going to go more in-depth with this review because then, I would ruin for the story for all of you guys! Let's just say that you'll be in for a surprise when Evie's "heritage" or paranormal gets to be revealed towards the end of the book. Overall, this was another wonderful YA read that I've read this year. Paranormal/Urban YA has never been more sweet! I totally recommend this book to those who love all things romantic and fun in general. 5/5 stars!

Rating: ★★★★★

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me was unique in a sense because I was actually interested in the relationship between Kate and Vincent and how that will turn out to be... but it also didn't wow me either because Kate irritated me at times. I loved Vincent because he was just so sweet, heroic, and he broke my heart because he was also hurting because of Kate. But other than that, the story was interesting, the characters were essential to their own parts, and the writing flowed quite beautifully. Who wouldn't love to be in the City of Lights? If you're looking for a book about the battle between good & evil, finding love in someone you never would have expected, and lots of sweet between the hero and heroine, then be sure to get this book!

Kate Beaumont Mercier happens to be our heroine in the book. The reason why she's even in Paris is because after a car accident that left Kate and her olider sister parentless/orphans, her sister decided to move to Paris for a new start. There, she stays with her grandparents, and every day is eventually a struggle for her to escape the pain... until she meets the one boy who will change her life forever. I admit that there were some moments when I didn't like Kate because she was wish-washy towards Vincent. And I guess it's because she doesn't want the people that she loves to die again. But of course it's unevitable-- especially with Vincent's case.

Vincent Delacroix, can I just say I love his name? He happens to be the boy who evidently changes Kate's life when they cross eyes. He was such a wonderful and delicious hero who most definitely loves Kate from the bottom of his heart. Who wouldn't love a guy like that? He's gorgeous, sexy, strong, sweet, and French! But alas, he also has a huge secret that almost destroys his relationship with Kate. Thankfully, Kate saw the light or else I would have wanted to slap her. Vincent is a revenant, in other words, he is one of the undead. There's also the fact that he hasn't aged since the 1920s. The relationship between the two was just undeniably beautiful because the moments between Kate and Vincent was tender and adorable.

The villain of the story was pretty easy to figure out, and oh! Unlike other books, this one does not have a cliffhanger. It's more of a questionable ending that will probably continue on in the next book. There is a slight love triangle... but I doubt anything will happen since Vincent's also sort of possesive. Aha! To sum it up, this was a pretty unique and interesting debut by author Amy Plum that has everything a Paranormal Romance/Young Adult fan is looking for. 5/5 stars.

Rating: ★★★★★

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

While I do admit that the character development and the potential of the story that Cynthia Hand had woven in Unearthly was top-notch, the ending left me feeling reluctant, unsatisfied, and wanting more? Apparently that's supposed to be a good thing. I was left wanting to know more and what will eventually become of Clara and Tucker. When it came to Christian, I knew from the very beginning that there was something wrong with him. He was just too... perfect. Tucker Avery on the other hand, had felt more real and perfect for Clara. Their relationship was just very sweet and adorable. One character that I still have my suspicions on is Angela; it seems like she has a motive, but it could be me talking here. Overall, Unearthly was a story about love, finding ones' own identity, and defying destiny in order to be truly happy. I loved every single moment of it.

When I first started out reading this book, I was rooting for Christian and Clara due to the misleading summary on the side. I did not know of Tucker's existence until later on in the book. Contrast to Christian's perfectness, Tucker is far from perfect. I find it amusing that he happens to be the type of guy who teases and makes fun of the girl that he likes. How adorable yet so childish! While Clara was mooning over Christian... Tucker was always there on the sidelines watching her. But enough of that, this book actually has a story in it as well.

Clara Gardner happens to be one quarter Angel and this is her story of fulfilling her 'destiny' or purpose. Her visions consists of a forest fire in Wyoming and a boy that happens to be Christian. Mysterious isn't it? Throughout the entire book, she often has these visions and each time, it's slightly different because her every move in the present affects her future. I totally dig the idea. But her destiny dramatically changes when she meets Tucker Avery and gets to know and love him. This puts things is another whole level where she is eventually forced to choose between love or her destiny.

To sum it up, Unearthly is a great book that will have you on the edge of your seat when it comes to finding out which of the choices that Clara ends up choosing. I'm actually devastated to know that the next book, Hallowed will be released next year. Oh well! The world will still go on but yeah, this was such a great read that I wouldn't mind reading it again. 5/5 stars!

Rating: ★★★★★

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

I don't even know how to explain how wonderful this book was to me so I'm just going to repeat my status: The ending was a masterpiece. It was wonderful, beautiful, and essentially the most breathtaking ending I've ever read! That rollercoaster of a ride was definitely worth it.

For a book to have me conjure up so many emotions is just breathtaking, and I think this book just earned a place in my heart. If you have NOT read If I Stay yet, I suggest you do so now and then read this book because I'm pretty sure you won't regret it!!! The thing that shocked me most about this series.... was that it was so real. In the first book, we get to read Mia's point of view and her struggle to keep on living after the tragic event that happened to her family. If you were the only survivor in your family of four, what else do you have to live for? If you thought that HER story was sad... oh boy. Adam just broke my heart and you can actually feel his pain and sorrow at what Mia did to him. Gayle Forman should get a standing ovation for her beautiful and heartbreaking writing because after this book, she's definitely an auto-buy author for me! Surprisingly, I definitely loved this book more than its predecessor.

In this second installment of the series, instead of having Mia as our narrator, we see the world through Adam's eyes. Three years have passed since the tragic accident that irrevocably changed Mia and Adam's lives forever. As the reader, you have no idea what exactly had happened after Mia woke up from her near death experience... but we do know that Mia's family is no longer alive, Adam is a rock star and his band has hit stardom, and Mia, who is a rising star at Julliard, is no longer a part of Adam's life because of his 'promise.' Destiny sure takes it's course to reunite these two together in the same city (New York), and for one night, everything will be answered.

Even after finishing the book, Where She Went still gives me goosebumps because of how raw and emotional it was. Yes, it was that good and I'm not even exaggerating! I think one of the most heartbreaking aspect of this book was how even though Adam became famous, he had lost his love for music and apparently happiness as well. Every waking moment was a torture for him to wake up and get through the day because of the guilt of the promise and because of why Mia did what she did. Neither the reader nor Adam knew why she left him... but towards the end, we finally get our answer and closure. To sum it up, this was just a wonderful & amazing book and I still shake my head of how GOOD it was. It would be great to get another book because I can't get enough of Adam and Mia, but I also think that the end of this book was also their beginning. See, it's a beginning to and end where they both will be able to achieve their happy ever after.

Thank you NetGalley for this amazing arc and I certainly will be adding this to my wishlist to buy! Reading this book through the tears and heartbreak was definitely worth it!!

Rating: ★★★★★

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

For Gwen Hayes's first debut, this book was pretty amazing. The flow of the story and the intricate characters and writing that the author creates was just memorizing. I can't stop thinking about it! Plus, I'm also a sucker for tortured heroes... and Haden Black is that one. I didn't think I would have shed so many tears for these two people who, even though they loved each other, could not be together. Falling Under is a story about finding the love of your life and fighting for what you believe in, as well as the confounding emotion of wanting someone so much that you might end up hurting them. It was beautifully written and I'm dying to read the second installment of this series! If you're into dark paranormal romance with plenty of sexual undertones everywhere, then this is the book for you. I mean holy cow, Haden is one sexy and emotional hero who loves deeply and pretty much darkly.

My favorite quote from Haden was this:

“Darkness lives in me, Theia. Inside of me. Like a sickness. And right next to it, intertwined with it, are my feelings for you. If I act on one, I’ll act on the other. The darkness in me wants you the way a black hole eats stars. I dream of tasting you, devouring you.” His eyes darkened terribly.

This isn’t a crush; it’s an obsession. You are never not in my thoughts. Your scent carries across a room and paralyzes me with longing. I don’t want to hold your hand. Part of me wants to set you on fire and hold you while the flame consumes us both, to eat your heart so I know that only I possess it entirely. Are you scared now? Does your human mind comprehend the danger at last? I’m not like you. I’m not human, not completely anyway.”

I have to admit that there were times when I wanted to smack Theia because she was one of those heroines... that needed 'saving.' She was characterized as an obedient daughter who wanted to break out of her shell, but never actually could or wanted to. It went on for awhile until one day, everything changed. I have to admit, the author created a pretty unique story in which the world in which Haden lived in was just so dark and beautiful.

Haden claims that he is evil and in a sense, that is true. He is part of something that will irrevocably change Theia's life forever and I think that is what makes this book so damn mind blowing! The ending was especially that because of the sudden twist in the story as well as the change in the POV. I never would have thought that the author would switch up the story like that. Either way, this was a wonderful story that definitely deserves attention! THIS, is how a YA Paranormal story should be written.

Rating: ★★★★★

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I fell completely and utterly in love with this book. There are no words to describe how I feel about it besides postive words like wonderful, marvelous, and just beautiful overall. Even the ending made me smile! I love Anna and Etienne's relationship so much because it was so freaken sweet! Etienne literally redefines the word sexy and adorable. I recommend this book to any YA and contemporary romance fans because it's definitely a book that you don't want to miss out on! The cover and title may be quite misleading because of it's simpleness... but there is NOTHING simple about this book. It's story about finding true love, independence, and friendship. What's not to love?

After reading so many positive reviews about this book, I decided to give this one a go and I've been hooked ever since. Anna is a very likable heroine who is often flawed in many ways. Yes, there were many moments when I had to face palm because of some of the "dumb" things that she did. She's not perfect but no one truly is. She's just a girl who's falling in love with a guy who she isn't supposed to fall in love with. I love how she tries her best to not fall in love with him because she knows it's wrong. But unfortunately, when you've fallen too deep in love with someone... it's hard to keep it all in. As for her friends, Mer, Josh, and Rashmi were pretty much awesome and what anyone would want in a group of friends. If it wasn't for them, I don't think Anna would have felt at home in Paris and found where she belonged. But her other friend back home Bridgette... let's just say I don't have a lot of nice things to say about her. To sum it up, she did the most hurtful thing that a best friend could do. Read this book to find out!

And now, let's finally talk about the cute English boy with a French name who claims that he is an American, Etienne St. Clair! Ugh, this guy is such a sweet, adorable, funny, and sexy mess. Not really, he's actually a neat freak like Anna. I think his relationship with Anna made this the most enjoyable book I have read in awhile. It's quite obvious that he's gorgeous and is the most popular boy in school... but alas, he is also another flawed character and I think this aspect is what makes him real. He fell in love with Anna the first time he met her but with a few complications such as his girlfriend, Ellie, it things a lot more complicated. Of course he feels guilty which is why both he and Anna try desperately to be just friends but it doesn't exactly work. They end up falling deeper and harder for each other the more time they spend with one another. But seriously, you'll know why these two make the perfect couple when you read it!

So YES, this book was so good that I had to go out and buy my own copy and read it over and over again. Not to mention that while I was reading this, Colbie Caillat's Falling For You was on! Overall, I give this book a HUGE 5 stars because of how great it was. For Stephanie Perkins first debut, she did an AMAZING job and I can't wait to read her next work!!

Rating: ★★★★★