How To Love by Katie Cotugno

A bit of cheesy contemporary YA is good for health. 

Goodreads synopsis: Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he's never seemed to notice that Reena even exists until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated-and pregnant-Reena behind. 
After: Almost three years have passed, and there's a new love in Reena's life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena's gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she's finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn't want anything to do with him, though she'd be lying if she said Sawyer's being back wasn't stirring something in her. After everything that's happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?

The most unique thing about this book is that it was written in a "before" and "after" in-alternative way. It's almost like switching POVs chapters but this was going back and forth with the timeline chapters. "Before" is the part before Sawyer (the main male lead) left; while "after" is the story happening after Sawyer unexpectedly reappeared again. The abrupt ending of chapters were catchy and readers will definitely be hooked to the story.

Serena (aka Reena) was the main female lead and this book was written in her POV. Reena was a smart, pretty, nerdy and typical girl-next-door. She has plans for her future and she knows what she's doing all the time. The only flaw she has, was falling in love with Sawyer, the in-a-mess, dysfunctional and wasted but hot (not appealing to me) childhood friend. Maybe I was a little bias but think of all the mess Reena had gotten into after hanging out with Sawyer. Even though I would say that it's a very typical characters' built-up plot.

What I like about this book? The feels. When I was reading it, I was pulled into Reena's mind immediately and feeling what she feels the whole time. The middle part (which I couldn't include as spoiler) made me cry. Okay, maybe I shed tears. I'm getting the same feeling when I read Death Angel by Linda Howard. (great book by the way) I didn't have that kind of experience as Reena but I cried with her as if I've gone through it also. Plus, usually if I cry for a book, I will give a very high rate for it.

The cutting of one star explanation. Why on earth did Sawyer date Ailee (the best friend) when he love Reena all these while? I don't seem to fathom the thought. I thought Sawyer was taking Reena as Ailee's substitute all along but then BAM. (wait, is this a spoiler?) Also, I didn't like when Sawyer dragged Reena down to his lowly pit of nothingness and Reena basically threw away all her studies being affected by him.

I guess this book was pretty close-to-heart and surreal it doesn't even show a sign of story-telling. It earns its star-rates. When I read this book, I like how real it feels. It reminds me of my favourite Chinese author, Sharon Rao (Rao Xue Man) and her books are written in a very touching and real (again) way. (Yes, that's the word. REAL.) There are flaws in characters, arguments about life, awkward situations and most importantly, no exaggeration. It feels insanely as if the same thing is happening to your neighbour or cousins or even friends.

The new cover is to be released next year 2015, heard from epicreads's Tea Time session.

A touching, heart-warming read,
Summer

Getting hold of the book: How To Love

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements Trilogy) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Picture adapted from Jennifer L. Armentrout's official website.

It'd been forever since I've met another favourite paranormal YA book. (The Infernal Devices excluded, the series is beyond classification.) I heard nothing but good things about the author, Jennifer L. Armentrout and of course I have to go check out her books. Much dismay, I am currently still stuck at Onyx, the 2nd book of the Lux series. To be honest, I did enjoy Obsidian but the second book just bores me in the middle part. However, I will try to read through it, maybe I would change my mind after I finish it.

Back to White Hot Kiss. When I first heard of this book from Sasha (Youtube channel: abookutopia), I've been wanting to get my hands on it. I just didn't have time. (even now, classic excuse but it's an excuse) Then, one fine day, in the midst of my finals, I just had to make myself even busier with finals and I start this book. Here goes the classic tragic of me getting so hooked to this book I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I mean, demons and gargoyles? I'm so interested.

Goodreads synopsis: One kiss could be the last. Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

The writings was the usual-typical YA style, if you know what I mean. However, usually I would pay more attention to the storyline first, later the writings. But I still have to address this issue. Only when the writings is so tremendously bombastic that I couldn't ignore it but to make notes for it.

The story. It was amazingly fresh. I've never came across with a paranormal book about gargoyles. More to that, the gargoyles are hunting demons to send them back to hell. Additionally, our heroine, Layla is a half Warden and half demon. Warden is a much better name for Gargoyles, I see. Adding to the mess, she's having a not-yet-DTR relationship with this spicy-hot demon, Roth. God, gargoyles are cool enough, the author has to add another swoon-worthy hot demon. How can anyone resist? The story. (back to the point)

I was thinking through this and I cut off one star from Goodreads. 

To be honest, I was speeding through the book I did not make any notes.

I'm torturing my mind and my readers.

There was one part in the middle of the story you will be spoilt. YES, that part ________. I wasn't really thinking through when I read it because I thought it's a series, maybe it'll happen in the later books but NO. It kills that all the flashbacks keep coming back. It's really crucial for me to start writing a review after I read a book. Memory starts to deteriorate. & needless to say, this book gives a cliffhanger, a mild one. When you read the second book's synopsis on Goodreads, you'll know what's going on. (My advice: don't read it)

Roth. Roth is like Patch from Hush Hush, Daniel from Fallen (Daniel is too good to be in this category), Will from TDI (no, the series cannot be classified under anything, it has its own genre of awesomeness), Adrian from Bloodlines and Stefan from Vampire Diaries. I think I know why I really enjoyed this book. It's Roth. Definitely. His tattoo. His smirks. Oh God.

I notice that this is the most un-proper review I've ever written. Roth- The books is too good. Just. Go. Read. It.

I'm a huge fan of paranormal series, actually.
Summer

I've convinced you: White Hot Kiss

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I picked up this book during my last Big Bad Wolf box-sale. (I will address more on Big Bad Wolf sale in my incoming post.) The sale with ridiculously cheap bargains and this book was just for filling up the space in my box. *It says RM8 (around USD2) on the cover.

I've never read a book by Lauren Oliver but I've been meaning to because I heard great things about the Delirium series and Panic. So when I saw this book in the midst of bargain books pile, I just grabbed it, even though the back jacket was torn.

& I did not regret getting this book because it was so SO GOOD.

Goodreads synopsis: For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12—"Cupid Day"—should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is…until she dies in a terrible accident that night.However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined.

I learnt that this is actually Lauren Oliver's debut novel in 2010. The writings are simple, straightforward yet not degraded, a typical YA style. Before I Fall is sort of a YA contemporary with a bit of paranormal (? I'm bad with genres) and psychological effect. It will make you reflect on yourself, a lot. (not a bad thing)

So, I REALLY LOVE THE STORY. Maybe most people will say it's predictable or sort but to me (who never ever predict a story), the story is quite captivating. When I first read the synopsis, I've been intrigued and busy schedule dragged my reading time until I've finally dived into the book. The idea of reviving from dead is not new but the plots are always different.

*I'm kind stuck writing this review. I think I should go for lunch first.*

Sam is one of the mean girls at school and she, of course, did what mean girls did in school. She bullied, dated hot guys, skipped classes, flirted and all with her friends (Lindsey, Elody and Ally) until she woke up from dead the next morning. Sam had to go through the same day (12th Feb Cupid's Day) again. She had known what will happen next, as the memories of yesterday (same day) is still fresh in her memory. This goes on for seven days and through the 7 days, she reflected on herself, on her friends and every events going on around her.

In my view, the reflective parts were so captivating. Sam is a mean girl but most of the things she did without thinking or she did it because her friends were doing so. Through all the same days she woke up from she found out pieces of new information and she realised she had to do something, to turn over a new leaf. Sometimes, an apology won't make much effect to the hurt caused.

Her relationship with Kent made me go fluttery all over.

He gives a half laugh. "I thought if I had a party, you would come."

Ah, Kent is so adorable and nice. (no fangirl-ing, okay) I was so happy Sam finally built up her relationship with him, like FINALLY. I was squealing all the time when they have this funny electric thing zapping on.

How do I convince you to read this book? It was a fun heart-warming contemporary and will leave you to your thoughts after you've finished the book.

Lovely 5-stars on Goodreads,
Summer

For an easy, reflective read: Before I fall - hardback (mine is) / paperback (on discount)

Being Me (2nd of Inside Out trilogy) by Lisa Renee Jones

THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS OF THE FIRST BOOK AND YEAH.

This second book actually did answer all my questions and now I can't figure out what will be written in the final book. Oh, by the way, I just found out that there will be a 4th book, yet, they said it's a trilogy. This series is opted for Starz cable TV so maybe the author decided to write more for the drama. Apart from that, I know there's another spin-off series regarding to Rebecca's diary and her submissive life. Just check out on the author's website. Apparently, there're many side-stories to this series, such as Chris POV, Mark's etc. 

Back to the review. 

I did have an important message to convey regarding this book. "If you want to know what happen to Rebecca, read this book." It's that simple. I wouldn't say I will recommend (or not) this book but if you've read the first book and need to know what happen to Rebecca, read this book. Period. The only message I want to convey to the readers. Unless you're a big fan of Chris and Sara, you will just love this book the same as the first. 

This book can actually be shorten to less than 200 pages if 2/3 of Chris/Sara's arguments were cut short. I'm complaining it's too unnecessary and it drags the story for no particular reason. It's not bringing out any issue regarding to the main story of Rebecca gone missing. Maybe I've missed out the point that Rebecca is not the main focus here but HEY Y'ALL, that's the only thing which intrigued me to read this series. So, it's definitely important to me. 

Most of time I don't really understand what the hell was C/S arguing about. They just go forth and back about pushing each other away and coming back together because "I love you; you love me". Sara kept complaining that Chris keeps thing to himself and not opened up for her. Okay. I get her but she didn't need to say it over and over again. OMG, it's agonizing. More than half of the book they were arguing-then-make-out then beat about the bush. I don't know if these are things which suppose to be happening in a real relationship (much of doubts and contradictions). I just don't think it's that crucial to repeat them over and over again throughout the book.

However, one of the things I do like about this book is that more Mark is shown. Like Mark is finally gotten his side-character script and acting out. He is suddenly EVERYWHERE. I don't really know why but I was quite fond of Mark, maybe he's just mysterious and I need to know more about him and his other side (the not-dominant side). But one of the part where he and his friend Ryan were trying to make (rape?) Sara forgets about Chris really disappoints me, regards to Mark's character. 

Anyway, coming to the most exciting last part of the book. (How long I took to drag through the book to reach here? God, you'll never know.) The author dragged 2/3 of the book and rushed through the last part. But the last part - I didn't see it coming. WOAH. Ava. WOAH. I'm not good at predicting books' endings so WOAH. Definitely a score to that. 

The last part gained back a star for the book, so 3 stars will do.

Summer

Review of the first book - If I Were You

To get on to this steaming-sexy yet thrilling series: 

If I Were You / Being Me / Revealing Us / No In Between 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I've been wanting to read this book ever since I saw it from songofstyle's instagram post. Yes, I am always introduced with new books like that.

Synopsis (from Goodreads): On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?  

This is an adult fiction thriller written in two different points of view, Nick's and Amy's diary entry. The writings was absolutely fluent and the style was just amazing. I did read books with double POVs and it would go wrong if the writings were bad. The most important thing for double POVs is that the views should not overlap because it will bore the reader, in my opinion. But, Gillian Flynn did an amazing job with double POVs. The characters' view did not clash with one another and both perspectives brought out the flow of the plot.

When I first read the synopsis, I'm intrigued. I was so excited to dive into this book. However, first one-third of the book really bored me with the marital life and all which I can't really relate to. So, that part dragged my reading process. Not to mention, this was my 3rd book for Regan's shitihavetoomanybooks read-a-thon and I failed it with this book because I was stucked in that part.

However (again), after I got through the (to-me-it's-boring) part, the rest was brilliant. The rest basically returned this book to my 5-stars list. The plot twist was really brilliant (ran out of description) and wicked (quoted from a review on the front cover).

The character development. WOAH. Nick was a classic bastard husband and you will feel like pulling him out of the book and slap him upside-down for being Nick Dunne. (can't really say much for a spoiler-free review) But, he changed, from a bastard to a seemingly psychopath (my view). I like the physiological aspect of the novel. The first page of the book, Nick described his wife's head/skull. It seems really eerie. The feeling.

Overall, this book is amazing. You will agree with me if you read this book. TRUST ME, YOU WILL. For fans (ME) of thriller-detective-mystery type of books, this is definitely your choice of read. But, even if you're not a fan of these types of genres, you will also enjoy this book. It was mind-blowing.

5 GLOWING STARS on Goodreads,
Summer

Venture into this book: Gone Girl (I can't find my version but this has the same cover)

FOR YOUR INFORMATION, this book is coming out as a movie the coming October 3rd (according to the trailer). Read this before the movie is out and you won't regret it.

adapted from Youtube

SPOILER SECTION: