Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson

I don't even know how to describe my feelings after finishing this book last night. It was beautiful, inspiring, and tantalizing in every way. I cried so much for Alex and Annie because of the sufferings that they had to endure to be together. The journey in finding true love is not always an easy one... but when it comes, it is always unexpected. I loved the relationship between Alex and Annie so much that it hurts. I wanted them to get their happily ever after and in the end, I got exactly what I wanted and even more! If you think about it, if Douglas had never done what he did, Alex would never have met Annie and loved her this much. Fate is such a funny thing. What was so heartbreaking about this book was the fact that our heroine, Annie, was also misunderstood and people believed that she was a moron... when in fact, she was just deaf.

Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson is definitely one of the best western historical romance novels that I have read this year. It was a sweet story about two people growing to love one another so much that living without them would be like "dying inside." I loved each and every one of the characters-- except Annie's parents. Not only were they ignorant, but they were also selfish. Especially her dad! Her mother did redeem herself... so I hated her less. One of my favorite parts in the book was when Alex finally told Annie that he loved her with the ear trumpet. It was so heart wrenching because soon after, she ran out of the room crying! The thoughts that were inside her head, my god. She believed that Alex deserved someone that wasn't HALF of a person, like her. Someone who wasn't deaf and could be able to love him as much as he loved her.

I was actually shocked at how hot the love scenes were. Even though other would say no, I thought it was both sweet and spicy at the same time. Alex and Annie definitely have chemistry! To sum it up, this book is definitely a keeper. I wasn't able to stop thinking about what would happen next and I think in that aspect, Catherine Anderson has done a wonderful job!!

Rating: ★★★★★

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

In Cold Blood is a haunting novel that portrays the darker side of society. While I did not enjoy reading it since my Professor assigned this reading to us, it is still a novel that I will never likely forget. It explores the faults of our very own justice system and how everything isn't just always black or white... but also shades of gray. Ultimately, I felt sorry for the Clutter family and Perry Smith but pity for Dick Hickock. Even towards the end, he was never remorseful or apologized for his sins-- hence forth his death was his very own redemption. Perry on the other hand, is an entirely different matter.

Unlike Dick, Perry never truly had a happy childhood but a rather misfortunate one. Every single one of his siblings ended up committing suicide except for his sister, Barbara Johnson-- she actually leads a pretty good life. I think the most heartbreaking aspect of all is the fact that essentially, his family is probably one of the main reasons why he ended up becoming a human being that is thoroughly flawed and lost. I think Truman Capote does exceptionally well trying to convey to his readers how pitiful Perry was and as a result, we sympathize with him. All Perry ever wanted in life was to be happy and search for 'lost treasure' but apparently, that won't likely ever happen. To make matters worse, he ended up in an accident that scarred both his legs and even his soul forever. It may seem like I'm trying to defend him for his crimes but I'm actually not. He is essentially a murderer who brutally murdered a family of four. But as a reader, I feel as if Perry was never 'right' in the head. He was often mistreated as a child ever since his mother and father became estranged. One of the worst things that I have read about Perry Smith's childhood was when he was beaten up by nuns in an orphanage. I don't think I could ever look at the world the same way again... and this is why Truman Capote became one of the most famous writers of his time and the most well-known in present day.

Dick Hickock is and will always be one of the characters that disgusts and make me pity him at the same time. He disgusts me because of his attraction to children and wanting to rape Nancy Clutter during the night of the murder. The scene that I will never likely forget is the one in which Perry and Dick are both in Miami, Florida and Dick tries to 'seduce' a twelve-year old child. Perry was disgusted and believe me, I wanted to throw up. He is essentially the true mastermind behind the entire murder and this is also another reason as to why I hate him. He could have lived his whole life as the ideal husband and father to his children but things ultimately changed, as life does in the outcome. Ever since he was in an accident that caused his face to be disfigured, the novel stated that he came out as a different person. I guess this is when his crimes truly began.

Even though I did not give this read a 5 out of 5 stars, this will always be a book that I'll never likely read again due to the emotions that Capote was able to pull out of me. Every time I think of the Clutter family, Perry and yes, even Dick... I think of the life that they could have had. The life and childhood that Perry had always wanted and the life that Dick could have had if he had gone to college instead of getting a job. Well done Truman Capote, well done.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah Maclean

Boy, if you thought that Sarah Maclean's first book to this series, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake was amazing... then this book is going to blow it straight out of the water. I've been anticipating Juliana and Simon's relationship ever since book one. Remember the scene where they met each other while Juliana was looking for a gift for her brother? Starting right there and then, that was their beginning! I had high expectations for this book because while I loved Callie's story with Gabriel, I did not like Nick and Isabel's. Sarah Maclean finally redeems herself in this installment and gives her dear characters and happily ever after that they all deserve.

The romance between these two was amazingly hot because of their dynamic chemistry that started from the very beginning. I loved every stolen moment and kiss between Simon and Juliana because while he often and so repeatedly say that he would never fall with her... sometimes, you can't control love at all. Juliana Fiori is described as a walking scandal, and in a way, she is. Simon Pearson happens to be the Duke of Disdain because he grew up believing that reputation is everything. Scandal is definitely something that he should stay far away from! But of course, what man could resist someone like Juliana? Even though I didn't shed as many tears when I read Callie's story, Juliana's story with Simon was a heartfelt and beautiful story of finding love from someone that you least expect it to be. I loved how Juliana tempted Simon in every way-- which makes it so much more enjoyable!

The ending was a perfect conclusion to a wonderful story and as a reader, I am proud to say that Sarah Maclean has done a wonderful job wrapping everything up and somehow... leaving some stories open. I really hope Benedick and Georgiana will be able to get their own HEA because they deserve so much. A BIG five stars for this lovely read that I'll never likely forget!!

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: ★★★★★