Review: Paper or Plastic by Vivi Barnes

Paper or Plastic
by Vivi Barnes
Published: February 3, 2015




Welcome to SmartMart, where crime pays minimum wage...

Busted. Alexis Dubois just got caught shoplifting a cheap tube of lipstick at the local SmartMart. She doesn’t know what’s worse—disappointing her overbearing beauty-pageant-obsessed mother for the zillionth time…or her punishment. Because Lex is forced to spend her summer working at the store, where the only things stranger than the staff are the customers.

Now Lex is stuck in the bizarro world of big-box retail. Coupon cutters, jerk customers, and learning exactly what a “Code B” really is (ew). And for added awkwardness, her new supervisor is the totally cute—and adorably geeky—Noah Grayson. Trying to balance her out-of-control mother, her pitching position on the softball team, and her secret crush on the school geek makes for one crazy summer. But ultimately, could the worst job in the world be the best thing that ever happened to her?

[RELEASE DAY BLITZ] Teaser + Giveaway: Scion by Kelly Oram

Scion 
(Supernaturals #3)

from bestselling author Kelly Oram

NOW AVAILABLE!

Just $3.99 on AMAZON

Title: Scion

Series: Supernaturals #3

Author: Kelly Oram

Publisher: Bluefields

Release Date: April 14, 2015

Other books in the series: Chameleon, Ungifted

April 2015 New Releases: Part 1

New Book Releases this April 2015

*cover image links to Goodreads*

Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins Published: April 7, 2015 The Book Depository __________ Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant. Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or connect her to David for life.

Foreign Summer Adventures

A much better way to spend the summer instead of sweating your ass off in your rooms.

1.) Bungy Jump in New Zealand

Review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

The Deal
(Off-Campus #1)
by Elle Kennedy
Published: February 24, 2015



She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice... even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it’s going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

Book Cover Battle: US vs UK - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The cover for Queen of Shadows was recently released, both the US and the UK versions, and it made me want to talk about them so let's.

I've always loved the covers of the Throne of Glass series. But before the matching US cover was released for the first book, it looked like this:

SUMMER TO-DO LIST

It's finally summer! Has been for a few weeks now but I just got the time to get out of my reading nook where I refused to be disturbed and say hello to the blogging world once again. It's one of the many things I plan to do this summer.

And here are some, or all, of them:

1) Catch up on sleep - DONE

March consisted of a lot of sleepless nights. I'm pretty sure the weeks leading up to finals were fueled by only 2 or 3 hours of sleep almost everyday. The night before I had to hand over my last paper for the school year I decided to take an hour nap around midnight before I finish my research since my head was about to explode. The next thing I know my mom was in my room, freaking out, saying my laptop and pocket wifi were overcharged. I learned it was already seven in the morning. Seven! And my paper was due at noon. I resumed my work immediately even though I'm still in my school uniform I wore the previous day but I'm pretty sure seven hours of sleep can be considered as "catching up".

March 2015 Reads + Monthly Recap

March was crazy. It's the end of the school year so there are deadlines and finals and late nights.. I got to read 4 books during the first half of the month but was able to read 5 more and 1 novella since school officially ended last week. FIVE BOOKS IN A WEEK! I'm not a fast reader so being able to read that many is awesome.

Book covers are linked to Goodreads!

Books I read this March:

   

Me and My Bookshelf (29): Ft. Cheap Buys

This is where I feature the books I received, bought, gifted or won that are newly added in my physical shelf, which means no e-books and the like, and recount epic book hauling stories. It is usually posted on Saturdays.

Here I am with another book haul. Most of these are used books in really good condition, some brand new, a couple of remainders, but all super cheap and that's all I really care about. The only pain is the expensive shipping fee since I bought 14 of these online and from different sellers but even so, I still spent less than $100 and since I also sold some of the books I have multiple copies of, I spent waaay less.

[BLOG TOUR] Spotlight: The Sara Chronicles by Laura Hughes

The Sara Chronicles: The Beginning, Book 1
by Laura Hughes

Publisher: Tate Publishing
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Book Series: Book 1 of 6
Formats: Paperback, Kindle, iBook
Print Length: 136 pages
Paperback Price: $9.98
Kindle Price: $6.99
iBook Price: $9.99

Imagine yourself in a place where not only your wildest, most imaginative dreams but also your worst nightmares are a living, breathing reality. One second, you’re a helpless, victimized child, and the next you can control ocean currents, produce rainstorms, and freeze lakes. Would you use your powers for good? Or would you give in to the part of yourself that wants revenge and control over those who caused you pain?

March 2015 New Releases: Part 2

New Book Releases this March 2015

*cover image links to Goodreads*

Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay Published: March 17, 2015 The Book Depository ____________ One girl. Two stories. Meet Fiona Doyle. The thick ridges of scar tissue on her face are from an accident twelve years ago. Fiona has notebooks full of songs she’s written about her frustrations, her dreams, and about her massive crush on beautiful uber-jock Trent McKinnon. If she can’t even find the courage to look Trent straight in his beautiful blue eyes, she sure isn’t brave enough to play or sing any of her songs in public. But something’s changing in Fiona. She can’t be defined by her scars anymore. And what if there hadn’t been an accident? Meet Fi Doyle. Fi is the top-rated female high school lacrosse player in the state, heading straight to Northwestern on a full ride. She’s got more important things to deal with than her best friend Trent McKinnon, who’s been different ever since the kiss. When her luck goes south, even lacrosse can’t define her anymore. When you’ve always been the best at something, one dumb move can screw everything up. Can Fi fight back? Hasn’t everyone wondered what if? In this daring debut novel, Moriah McStay gives us the rare opportunity to see what might have happened if things were different. Maybe luck determines our paths. But maybe it’s who we are that determines our luck.

From Page to Film: Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Review

I finally saw the Fifty Shades movie and you know what? I ended up really enjoying it. Before I further discuss my feelings towards the movie I just want to say that I hated the book and had no intention of watching the film. It wasn't because I found the topic inappropriate or something like that. I always get into books with an open mind so, no. The main reason is I found the writing horrible and I've wanted to head kick the main character since page one.

March 2015 New Releases: Part 1

New Book Releases this March 2015

*cover image links to Goodreads*

The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski Published: March 3, 2015 The Book Depository __________ Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love. The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret. As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

COVER REVEAL: Scion by Kelly Oram + Giveaway

I am so excited to reveal today a cover for another book by Kelly Oram that's coming out next month. I've read all of her other books except this series. Yeaaah.. I'll give you a minute to absorb that tidbit.

And don't ask me why because I honestly don't know. I freaking loved practically everything she's written and I have a copy of Supernaturals 1 and 2 but still, I haven't picked them up yet.

Read my reviews:

   

Cinder & Ella | A is for Abstinence | Serial Hottie | Being Jamie Baker

Now for that cover.. Here it is!

SERIES I MUST FINISH

I've started many, many series but not all of them I finished. Some I don't want to, some I lost interest, some are not complete yet, and some I badly want to but can't make myself do so. Here are some that belongs to series-I-want-to-finish-but-cant:

Divergent Trilogy:

Allegiant 
(Divergent #3)

by Veronica Roth

Published: October 22, 2013

THIS. I read Divergent that first year it came out, Insurgent as soon as I got my copy. When Allegiant came out, I refused to read it until I could buy a physical copy. I refrained from checking out the Internet at that time because I didn't want to be spoiled but even then, there was a lot of buzz. I was spoiled anyway. I was in my Electronics class, taking notes when suddenly my cousin turned to me and blurted, "I'm going to spoil you." Before I can even put a proper reaction on my face she was already at it and all I could do in the end was say "no no no" over and over again. I guess she couldn't take not talking about it anymore. And then later my sister was all, "Yeah, so [this] happened." I just looked at her blankly and she was like, "Wait, you haven't read it yet?" I've never been in the mood to pick up Allegiant since then. BUT I WILL. Someday.

From Page to Film: THE DUFF Movie Trailer

Reaction pre-trailer:

'The DUFF is going to be a movie?!' 

It wasn't long after I read the book that I heard the news. I enjoyed the book so much so I was really excited to see it on screen. Until I read a very short description of the movie and I was pretty much like, "What?"

February 2015 Reads + Monthly Recap

I'm still a little beat from last night's party so I'm gonna make this quick. I read 10 books and 2 novellas this February. Not bad, considering I had midterms. And it's been a really long time since I last read a series consecutively, from beginning to end. I'm pretty proud of myself for being able to do that this month.

   

Me and My Bookshelf (28): I Broke My Book Buying Ban

This is where I feature the books I received, bought, gifted or won that are newly added in my physical shelf, which means no e-books and the like, and recount epic book hauling stories. It is usually posted on Saturdays.

I broke my book buying ban. Are you surprised? The last time I bought a book was way back in November last year when I went to Cebu to have my books signed by Marie Lu (majority of the books in my previous book haul posts were preorders).

So I lasted almost 3 months! I would have lasted longer except I saw these books for a cheap price and then the seller offered all of them for an even cheaper total. These books were in my Goodreads TBR for a long time and I don't want to pass up these good deals.

Music and Lyrics (18): Nothing Without Love

It's not Fun. but it's still Nate so, yeah, I was pretty freaking ecstatic when his first solo single's music video came out a few days ago.

Review: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

A Little Something Different
by Sandy Hall
Published: August 26, 2014




The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out. But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship.

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

February 2015 New Releases: Part 2

New Book Releases this February 2015

*cover image links to Goodreads*

The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines #6) by Richelle Mead Published: February 10, 2015 The Book Depository _________ The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here... Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.

ICY PRETTY LOVE Book Sale!

Hello everyone! Happy Friday! I hope you all have a good weekend. I'm just stopping by to tell you that Icy Pretty Love is on sale on Amazon so head over HERE now to grab your copies.

You can also check out my review HERE to read more of what I thought about the book. It's a great read! I loved both the main characters and have reread Icy Pretty Love a couple of times already because of them. I SHIP THEM :)

Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
by Kody Keplinger
Published: September 7, 2010




Buy from Amazon

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

February 2015 New Releases: Part 1

New Book Releases this February 2015

*cover image links to Goodreads*

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios Published: February 3, 2015 The Book Depository __________ If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line. Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

Review: Icy Pretty Love by L.A. Rose

Icy Pretty Love
by L.A Rose
Published: November 15, 2014



Glass-doll beauty. A shy, proper smile. Georgette Montgomery is the perfect billionaire’s fiancé.

Or she would be, if she existed.

A dark past. A smile that hides everything. At nineteen, Rae Grove escapes her disaster life by pretending to be other people—specifically, whoever the man paying her that night wants her to be.

Until she’s offered enough money for a one-way ticket to a better life. All she has to do is fly to Paris and pretend to be the fiancé of young business tycoon Cohen Ashworth for one month. Within an hour of meeting Cohen, Rae knows three things about him:

1. He hates everyone and everything.

2. He has abundant wit and a knife-sharp tongue.

3. He uses 2 to make everyone aware of 1.

Before long, Rae’s determined to crack open his unbreakable shell. Cohen’s determined to stay unbroken.

But no one escapes unscathed when two opposite worlds collide.