REVIEW: SHATTER ME BY TAHEREH MAFI

Finished Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi a few hours before my duty started. And I have to say it’s one of those books that I could not put down. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. I loved the characters. I loved the way it was written. I simply loved everything about it. Anyway, the main characters of the story are Juliette and Adam.

The story starts of almost a year after Juliette was locked up in an asylum because of her power. I won’t say what it is because I don’t want to spoil anyone. I am so not a SPOILER! haha. Anyway, I loved Juliette from the very start. I loved the way she developed into a strong person. Truth be told, I think she’s actually a very strong person even if all she did during the first part was succumb to her fears. Well, actually she did it to protect herself and everyone around her. I think she’s such a good person it simply makes it too hard for me to hate her. I think she represents everything that’s good in this planet and I simply love her for that.

But, but, but I am so jealous of her at the same time. haha. You’re asking me why? Why, indeed? Simple answer: ADAM! haha. Man, that guy is just so hot. I love Adam. I think he’s one of those characters that you just can’t hate. Loyal, kind -hearted, strong, good looking, hot, hot, hot and did I mention hot? Anyhoo, I think Adam was essential in making Juliette stronger than she already is. And I love him for being there for Juliette after all that she’s been through. I just love Adam. I love loyal men. I think it’s very difficult to find one these days. haha.

Then there’s Warner, the antagonist of the story. It actually came to a point that I got attracted to this guy but seriously, when you think about it he’s actually creepy. haha. I mean yeah, he’s good looking and all but he’s just a little bit creepy for my taste. But still, I honestly can’t wait to read more about him in the next novel.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The pacing of the story is actually very good. Not too fast and not too slow. I loved every minute of it. It’s a work of art for me. There was never any dull moments and I just can’t wait to get my hands on the next novel. The story is not just about super powers, teen angst whatever. It’s about acceptance and finding your place in the world. I’d give this a 5/5 star rating. I wouldn’t mind re-reading it again and again.

REVIEW: CLOAKED BY ALEX FLINN

Cloaked by Alex Flinn is a mash up of different fairy tales. And I was finally able to get a paperback copy of the book while looking for Bewitching by the same author a few days ago. The story’s hero is called Johnny who owns a shoe repair shop and his best friend Meg. Yes, there was a prince and princess involved as well.

I was actually very excited to read this novel since I enjoyed reading Ms. Flinn’s Beastly and A Kiss In Time. The story is told in Johnny’s perspective. I actually liked Johnny since he’s quite different from most of the characters from modern day fairy tales . He did have a hidden agenda when he accepted his quest from Princess Victoriana. Anyway, with that said I still think he’s an adorable character who is difficult to hate.

Then there’s Meg, Johnny’s best friend. I wasn’t that keen on this character to be perfectly honest so I can be quite biased. I didn’t like her that much. It’s not that she’s annoying or whatever she’s just someone I can’t really relate to. haha. I was actually rooting for Princess Victoriana. She’s really adorable. French accent and all.

Anyway, I think Cloaked is a nice novel and I’d probably include it in my top 3 Alex Flinn novels. A Kiss In Time is my number one by the way. I really liked reading about Johnny’s adventures and misadventures. My only problem with the story would probably be the ending. haha. I wasn’t to keen on that one because I was rooting for another pairing. And the cover is gorgeous don’t you think? I’m actually planning to buy Beastly again since they changed the cover into something like this one as well. I’m a sucker from pretty female covers. And no, I am not a lesbian. I just like girls on books as much as I like hot men on them. But overall I did enjoy reading this novel. I’d give this a 4/5 star rating though.

Currently reading: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

REVIEW: WICKED LOVELY #5: DARKEST MERCY BY MELISSA MARR

I was finally able to get my hands on Melissa Marr’s fifth and final installment for the Wicked Lovely Series, Darkest Mercy. I finished it yesterday but could not make a review since my internet was acting a little weird. Anyhoo, all of the main characters from the previous novels were present or at least mentioned in the book so I could literally say that the story revolved around each and everyone of them.

The faerie courts are at war with Bananach, the faerie of War and Discord. I seriously hated her when the fourth book ended. I wanted to strangle her or something because of what she did to Iri. And at this point of the series my need to strangle her did not waiver. Seriously, it felt like I was riding a roller coaster while I read. There were times when the book made me smile and a lot more times when the book just broke my heart.

I think the characters were written very well. Especially, Keenan and Ash. I think they grew up a lot. This book certainly made me change the way I look at Keenan. He sacrificed a lot for his court and the love of his life. True, maybe he should have done whatever it is that he did from the very start but I liked the fact that he did try to do whatever it is that he did. Yes, I am being vague with my statement because I don’t want to spoil anyone who hasn’t read this series yet. I think everyone who reads this will just see Keenan in a different light once they read this book.


Irial and Niall literally broke my heart though. Niall literally broke down when… No. I will not say it. Let’s just say that he was devastated because of what happened to the point of almost losing his grasp on what’s real and not. I loved Keenan/Niall and Seth/Niall friendship. I think it’s one of the strongest bonds in the entire series. It did come to a point when they weren’t exactly in good terms but in the end their friendship prevailed.

I loved Ash as well in this book. I think she grew up a lot considering that she had to rule her court on her own after Keenan and Seth disappeared. I actually think she grew up to be one of the strongest characters in the series. Her volatility and temperaments made her a good Summer Queen.

And of course, how could I forget Donia. I actually liked Donia even more here. I think she was the only one who kept her head cool. Both figuratively and literally since she’s the Winter Queen and all. haha. Anyway, I think she deserved her happy ending. Personally, I think everyone deserved their happy endings. The characters went through so much and I loved that Ms. Marr gave them all what they deserved.

I think the author did a great job at writing this story with all of the characters from the previous books in mind. It didn’t seem too crowded for a book that had A LOT of main characters. And their endings didn’t seem rushed or anything. I think all of the characters deserved whatever it is that happened to them. Anyway, just watch out for two new characters, the siblings, Far Dorcha and Ankou.

RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

REVIEW: EVERNEATH BY BRODI ASHTON

Sorry for the delay, I’ve been really busy this past week since I just started working again. Anyhoo, I was able to finish Everneath by Brodi Ashton last night since I was on nocturnal duty and I honestly had nothing better to do. So, the main characters of the story are Nikki Becket, Jack and Cole.

The cover is gorgeous isn’t it? I got sucked in by the Tunnel because of this cover. haha. You didn’t get the joke there? Too bad. I guess you just have to read the novel. Anyway, the story is somehow similar to the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice and if you have been reading my blogs then by now you should know that I am a fan of Greek myths and such. I loved the book. I seriously could not put my iphone down. I might actually buy a hard copy. I seriously wanted to read more about the underworld. This book just left me craving for more.

The heroine of the story is called Nikki “Becks” Beckett. She has been stuck in the Everneath for 100 years (though it has only been 6 months in the Surface) and there her emotions are being sucked by Cole who is an Everliving. They somehow connected with each other after all those years. She has forgotten about everything except for a nameless face. I liked Nikki. I sympathized with her. I mean, I get it, it’s her fault that she got herself stuck in that situation but truth be told who wouldn’t be swayed by Cole’s offer? I would love to be pain -free. And somehow, her situation called for it. She made a decision without actually thinking about it and she probably got what she deserved but somehow she made me feel sorry for her. I love the way her character was written even if there were times when she just couldn’t make up her own mind. But she’s a girl so she’s excused from being fickle! haha. She’s not annoying and I love that somehow she knows how to stand up for herself.

Then there’s Cole. I honestly liked Cole even if he was suppose to be the “semi -villain” in the story. haha. Is there such a word? Semi -villain? Anyway, I truly believe that he has strong feelings for Nikki. He’s probably just confused since he is not exactly familiar with things like love and relationships. He cares. Period. I love his quick changing temperaments. He can be nice one minute then ruthless the next. Plus he’s a rockstar! I’m a sucker for hot rockstars. I seriously wouldn’t mind being stuck with Cole for a long long time.

Lastly, there’s Jack. Jack is the nameless face in Nikki’s memories while she was in the underworld. I seriously loved Jack. I love the fact that he never gave up on Nikki when she disappeared without a trace and even when she started to lose hope herself. That’s true love for me. The sacrifice that he made just made me teary -eyed. I could not get over that part. I seriously love Jack. And yes, I also love Cole. This is probably one of those situations when I simply can’t pick a guy. I love them both equally although Cole probably has ulterior motives but there truly is something about them that draws me towards them both.

For a debut author, I think Brodi Ashton did a great job. I loved the concept of Everneath. I loved the way Greek, Egyptian or whatever myths incorporated in the story since I’m a sucker for myths and stuff. I think she made the entire concept of the underworld seem new. It’s quite refreshing to look at the underworld in a different way. I did find the ending a little sad. And truth be told I can’t wait for the second book to come out. I love the entire novel. I didn’t feel bored as I flipped through the pages. I’m giving this a 5/5 star rating.

REVIEW: SLAVE BY SHERRI HAYES

I finished reading Slave by Sherri Hayes a few hours ago. It’s actually one of those dominant/ submissive stories minus the sex part since no sexual intercourse happened during the entire book. It was published by the same publishers who published the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James. The story’s main characters are Brianna and Stephan.

I actually liked this book. It was listed as a BDSM fiction in Goodreads and to be honest I was actually expecting something erotic since my first experience with a BDSM novel (Fifty Shades Of Grey) is probably something I would never forget. haha. Read the trilogy so you’d know. For me, this is a very heartwarming novel that would make you see BDSM in a different light.
Let me discuss the characters first.

There’s Brianna. I’m not entirely sure how Ian, a sadistic bastard, got his hands on her. She was either kidnapped or her dad was somehow involved. I’m not really sure. Anyway, I wanted to comfort this girl during the entire novel. She was just emotionally broken and it seemed like the only thing she knew was to submit to her “DOM”. She’s a lost girl who has lost everything even her free will until Stephan enters the picture.

And of course, there is our “DOM”, Stephan. He’s not exactly your typical “DOM”. I think he’s actually quite nice and compassionate to be a dominant. He always makes sure that whatever he does with his “SUB” is consensual. I think he is exactly what Brianna needs to overcome her fears. He’s domineering and yet gentle at the same time. His punishments are not that severe. I mean, he does not exactly beat up his “SUBS” to a pulp. I guess we still have to find out if that really is the case since according to Goodreads this is only the first book. Anyway, I like the way he has treated the broken girl so far. He really is very considerate with regards to her feelings. And I think he’s the right “DOM” for someone like Brianna.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the story. I think it lacked some elements but I just can’t put my finger on it. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed reading the Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L. James but I wouldn’t mind reading the next book if there really is another one. I think the Dom/ Sub element in the story is unique. You could really see why some people need to be “dominated” in order to survive. I’m giving this a 3.5/5 star rating though.

REVIEW: FIFTY SHADES FREED BY E.L. JAMES

I was finally able to finish Fifty Shades Freed, the last installment from the Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L. James, last night and I have to say I was totally blown away. I love the way it was written and the way it ended. Again, the central characters of the story is Ana Steele and Christian Grey.

Ana and Christian are now Mr. and Mrs. Grey. Yes, they got married! And life seems perfect as it is until Christian’s past start catching up with them.

How do I start this? Hmm. First of all I love the development of the characters. I think Ana became stronger as a woman in this third novel. It’s probably due to the fact that she’s already married to Grey and somehow she overcame her insecurities and stuff. I actually liked her here but I definitely agree with Mr. Grey, she definitely has no concept of self -preservation. And that’s probably why Grey always kept her in the dark whenever conflicts arise. I do believe that Ana grew up a lot in this book and I actually love her more because of it.

And of course, there is the oh so yummy Christian Grey. Hmm. What can I say? As always Mr. Grey never fails to take my breath away. I love the caring and romantic Christian as much as I love his dominant and lustful alter ego. haha. Though there came to a point when I wanted to spank him for reacting the way he did in a certain revelation which I won’t mention as to not spoil anyone who hasn’t read the novel. But in the end I guess he overcame that hurdle and he was able to embrace this revelation completely. His term kinky f*ckery never fails to make me laugh though. I loved Christian even more in this novel. Again, he made me swoon.

I love the way this book ended. Actually, I love everything about this book even the supporting characters. Kate, Elliot, Ethan, Mia, Grace, Carrick and Ray. They weren’t written just to be there. They were actually part of the story. I think there comes a time when supporting characters are just there for the sake of having them there. Anyway, I think Ana and Christian deserve their happy ending after everything they’ve been through. I was seriously blown away by the sex/ love scenes. haha. I do believe that Christian became more gentle with Ana and somehow I sympathize with Ana. She somehow missed kinky f*ckery since Christian was gentle with her most of the time. The punishment sex scenes were mind blowing. I seriously don’t know if I should pity or envy Ana at some point. E.L. James definitely knows her stuff. I’d definitely give this one a 5/5 star rating.

REVIEW: FIFTY SHADES DARKER BY E.L. JAMES

Finished reading Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James a few hours ago and again, it left me speechless. It’s the second book from the Fifty Shades trilogy. I liked this novel as much as I liked the first one.And again, I have no idea how to start this review. The story takes off a few days after the break- up of Ana Steele and Christian Grey from the first book.

I honestly loved this book because I think this book is just so full of love. And lust, of course. haha. Anyway, Ana annoyed me in some ways because of her insecurities. For the love of God, Mr. Grey already said that he loves her and yet she still can’t let go of his past. He already admitted that he had “needs” and that he was willing to let it all go just for her. And yet she just can’t get over her own personal demons namely her insecurities and irrational jealousy. I know she’s crazy about him but come on getting jealous over an emotionally and mentally unstable person? I did like her in the last parts of the novel though. The martini throwing scene is my favorite. haha. I think she grew a bit of backbone during that part.

And of course there is Mr. Sex-On-Legs, Christian Grey. Let me just get this out before I hyperventilate: HE’S JUST SOOOOOOOO HOT! He made me swoon and lust (LUST being the operative word. haha.) after him in this novel. Damn! Who would have thought that Mr. Grey himself had a soft streak in him? He just wants to be loved. And boy, is he loved. I loved his family even more here. Especially, his mom, Grace. I  love the way she acts all stiff and formal on regular days and warm and ferocious when it comes to defending her son. Another one of my favorite scenes from the book is the family scene in Mr. Grey’s apartment. Mr. Grey somehow seemed more vulnerable and more human to me. I love how he showed his affection towards his family. That was probably the most touching scene for me.

The sex/ love scenes were epic as always but I somehow missed the Red Room of Pain in this book. haha. Although, I did love the sex scenes more in this novel because I felt like everything was done out of love and not just lust. I think there are just times when all a girl needs is love. I think this book was well- written. Not too fast paced and not too slow either. The Red Room Of Pain  scene was just so provocative it actually made me linger a little longer on the pages. I also love the proposal scene. Damn! Mr. Grey really is a jack of all trades. Erotic and romantic all rolled into one. It kinda makes me want to find my own Fifty. I still wouldn’t recommend this to the younger audience though. Teen hormones are simply the worst and as I think I’ve mentioned in my previous review there are some scenes  that are just too provocative and I don’t want to contribute to the increase in teenage pregnancy. I’d give this another 5/5 star rating even if Ana annoyed me in some parts of the story. I just love Christian Grey.

REVIEW: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY BY E.L. JAMES

I finished reading Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L. James last night and I have to say that it left me speechless. Truth be told this is my first time reading an adult/ erotic novel and I honestly couldn’t believe that it literally left me breathless. haha. The main characters of the story are Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey.

How do I begin? Hmm. The story certainly left me breathless and erotic. haha. Seriously, I cannot believe the things that Grey does and he’s just so yummy. Honestly, the writing was just so intense. I love the way this was written even if it is intense. Intense is an understatement believe me. Whew! I’m seriously out of words. haha. Anyway, I’m not inclined to be wholesome with regards to reviewing this book since I don’t plan on recommending it to the younger audience a.k.a. the teens. Seriously, I’m already in my 20’s and I felt like my hormones were just running rampant inside of me. Teenage hormones are the worst. Trust me on that one.


Let me begin by describing the characters. First of there’s Ana. She’s a hesitant female who seriously unravels because of the sexy Mr. Grey! haha. I can relate to this girl. I am somehow the hesitant type of girl when it comes to this sex thing but somehow this book changed me. haha. Okay, I’m not promiscuous now or anything. Somehow, I just feel like I’ve loosened up a bit. haha. I feel like there’s a goddess waiting to be awaken in every girl. And I think mine is just waiting for the right guy who is still MIA.

And of course, there’s Christian Grey. Damn! I can’t even find the right words to describe this guy. He’s Mr. Sex-On-Legs! This guy is so intense and so captivating he makes me swoon. And the fact that he’s a hot, good- looking, 27 year old, articulate, multimillionaire who is just so good in and out of bed. Seriously, what more can a girl ask for? haha.  He honestly made me feel “excited”. Damn! I think I’ve turned into some kind of pervy! haha. Anyway, if I were Ana I’d probably let him get his way every time. Pressure= Pleasure! haha.

Overall, I liked this novel. The writing was simple and direct to the point. Seriously, it was just so DIRECT. Plus, the fact that it was not written in a way that would make you think that you’re just reading a fan fiction of some sort. Believe me, I’ve read fan fictions that seriously suck. I mean some of them were just written for the sake of sex between two characters. Anyway, I’m giving this a 5/5 star rating and I can’t wait to read the second novel.

REVIEW: WICKED LOVELY #4: RADIANT SHADOWS BY MELISSA MARR

It has been a week since I last posted a review. Sorry about that a lot of things came up and I just could not finish Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr in time. Anyhoo, Radiant Shadows is another filler from the Wicked Lovely series. The novel’s main characters are Devlin, Rae, a dreamwalker and Ani, a halfling and daughter of the Gabriel.

I was actually hesitant at first since it’s not actually the continuation of the third book. But truth be told I actually found myself immersed in this book completely. The first few pages were kinda slow for me but as I continued reading I actually found myself breezing through it. I love Devlin and Ani. I don’t know why but I actually found myself feeling giddy in every scene that they were in together. haha. I love these two with their love/ lust. haha.

The female protagonist is Ani, she is the daughter of Gabriel of the Hunt and sister to Tish and Rabbit. She’s a half-faerie and half- mortal like her sister and brother but she’s also different in some ways. She was mentioned in the first few books of the series. I honestly didn’t bother getting to know her the first time she was mentioned until I found out that she is actually the main character in the fourth book. I love her character. She’s feisty and honest and she’s not a typical dumb and helpless heroine in most YA novels. I think she’s a good match for Devlin who is a complicated character for me. haha.

Then there’s Rae, the dreamwalker. Truth be told, I never really connected that much with this character but I don’t dislike her. I actually pity her for being stuck in Faerie without a physical body. What am I saying? She actually gets to enter Devlin’s body any time she wants too. haha. 

And of course, there’s Devlin. Devlin is an assassin of the High Court and brother to Sorcha and Bananach. He’s a combination of both Order and Chaos. He’s torn between serving his queen and protecting the love of his life. Anyway, I like the complexity of this character. And again, since he is another one of those bad boys I find him sexy. haha. I find myself smiling whenever he’s with Ani. I just wish he’s also in the last book. *hoping*

I honestly liked this book even if it was a little slow in the first few pages. I truly love Ani and Devlin even Iri and Niall were absolutely adorbs. haha. I find the two Dark Kings so cute together. haha. I cried when Bananach did something that she shouldn’t have. Err. I seriously hate Bananach right now. And I loved it when Niall finally showed a part of his “Dark King Persona”. Ugh! I’m in love with Niall again! Overall, I’d give this book a 4/5 star rating. I love the way this was written. The complexity of each character stimulated my brain to actually think. Yes, I’ve been feeling a little dumb lately and I somehow needed a stimulant for my brain and this book did it for me. haha. I just can’t wait to read Darkest Mercy.

My TO-READ-LIST for the month of February

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

 

 Tempest by Julie Cross

 

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Across The Universe by Beth Revis