Book Review: Tall Dark and Distant (Smitten) by Julie Fison

Goodreads Description: 

Full of love, romance and a whole heap of flirty fun, Smitten is a sexy new series. It will make you weak at the knees.

When Georgia meets Nik on her summer holiday, she’s sure he’s too good to be true. He’s gorgeous, with god-like abs and an adorable English accent. Then she discovers that he’s actually a member of an obscenely wealthy Russian family – and he wants to get to know her better. Nik catapults Georgia into a world of private yachts, fast cars and expensive jewellery. Having a billionaire for a boyfriend certainly comes with benefits … but it also comes with a price. How long will it take before life in the fast lane spins out of control?

 

 

Title: Tall Dark and Distant

Author: Julie Fison

Genre: Contemporary, YA, NA, Romance, Chick Lit, Mature YA

Format: Paperback

Pages: 236 page

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Source: Purchased from Booktopia

Yay another smitten romance! Great fluffy romance to start my summer holidays! I breezed trough this and was just what I needed to recover from uni exams.

The book follows Georgia on vacation with her family in Noosa when she meets Nik on her morning run. The two turn from friends and running buddies to something more.

I have a love hate relationship with the character Georgia. On one hand I like her down to earth, smart and awkward personality though on the other hand she tend to make some really stupid and cringe worthy mistakes. As for Nik, I love the guy instantly! Swoon worthy, slightly mysterious, cheeky and charming. Nik comes from a wealthy family and has a dark past that I didn't expected.

The side characters were an okay cast but the one that stood out to me the most is Alice, Georgia's younger sister. Gosh that kid a piece of work as I've never hated a character this much till I read about Alice. Long story short, Alice is freaking annoying and gets kinda bratty when she does not get what she wants especially from Georgia and gets her revenge on her sister even if it means almost ruining Georgia and Nik's relationship.

I like Georgia and Nik's relationship! It was not exactly instalove but the romance was a good fast pace. This book also explores more on the emotional side of romance and boy was there some emotional roller coaster in this book.

The plot of the book was interesting and the plot twist was unexpected. Its a good 'regular girl falls for mysterious rich guy' sorta romance. Though the book started out really good but I find the ending of the book kinda lacking.

Overall its a sweet summer/vacation contemporary romance that will make you swoon, smile and giggle and you can read while relaxing around.

Book Review: The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2) by James Dashner

Goodreads Description :

The Scorch Trials picks up where The Maze Runner left off. The Gladers have escaped the Maze, but now they face an even more treacherous challenge on the open roads of a devastated planet.

And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Can Thomas survive in such a violent world?

Title: The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2)
Author: James Dashner
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Action, Thriller, Suspense 
Format: Paperback

Pages: 359 pages
Publisher: Chicken house
Source: Purchased from Kmart

 The Maze is over but the Scorch Trials have just begun...

Holy Smokes!!! This was INTENSE! SUSPENSE! PANIC! THRILL! CONFUSION! 

Just a crazy page turner book!!! 

Its crazier, scarier and darker than the maze runner!

While some question are answered about the Maze, the world and what WICKED, there are still alot more questions that needs answers! 

  

The book takes place immediately after the Maze Runner where the remaining Gladers have yet another trial called the Scorch Trial (the first book focuses on the Maze Trial) where they have to journey across the Scorch to get to the safe heaven in order to be given the cure for the Flares by WICKED.

Sounds easy? Wrong! 

The Scorch Trials involve the Gladers crossing the Scorch in order to make it to the 'Safe Heaven', dodging obstacles, vicious creatures that are just as vicious as the Grivers and Cranks!

We learn alot about the outside world on how there is no ozone layer and that earth is now a big dessert! Worst is that because of this climate change, a virus called the Flares is spreading, turning people who got the flares to this thing called Cranks that are just as bad as Zombies.

 Apart from surviving the trials and figuring out the purpose of WICKED, lessons are learned as friendship, betrayal, trust and loyalty are put to the test. There is a bit of a love triangle happening which was okay... not crazy love triangle but confusing love triangle for Thomas.. poor guy haha. 

I actually like Thomas more in this book than the previous book! He is sweet and caring for his friends yet he is still strong and tough to fight trough the trials. I also kinda like how his brain works. That moment when you think he is making one of the stupidest decisions, he manages to counter it with a really quick smart move. Also we learn that he is very clueless about his emotions when it comes to romance and girls (not a surprise... poor guy :P). Thomas have some really good sarcastic dialogs in this book (must have picked up from Minho!).

My favorite character in this book is definitely Minho and Newt!  Sadly Newt's role is not as significant as I wanted it to be but Minho... gosh I love this guy! 

I admire how Newt can be calm and collected during some scenario in the book. Like Thomas he gotten more snarky and sarcastic in the book.

Minho has a much larger role in the book and has taken over the role as leader. It's great to see him developed as a character! He is definitely one of the strongest and toughest character in the book. He is also really caring and loyal to his friends. The thing I love most about him in this book is his hilarious snarky dialog! Every time things starts to get super intense, he says something and I found myself laughing for a good few minutes.

The bromance between Newt, Thomas and Minho is definitely one of my all time favorite friendship in a book!

Some new characters that we meet include Jorge and Brenda (think of them as a less likeable Joel  and if Ellie from the Last of Us), Aris and the girls of Group B.

Brenda is my favorite new character! Snarky, outspoken, tough and alert but with a mysterious side. I love her personality! She is like a girl version of Minho! Looking forward to knowing more about her in the Death Cure!

Theresa in this book... I have very mix feelings about her. I don't hate her nor do I like her.

One thing that stood out of the book is the pacing of the story. James Dashner has a good way of timing the pacing in the book which makes you NOT want to put it down! This kept me up till 3am as everytime I think they are safe, SOMETHING HAPPENS! 

The action was fast pace, nail biting intense and freaking scary! The plot twist was unpredictable! I think I shouted 'WTH' and 'NO' more than Newt said the word 'Bloody' trough the book because of this! This book takes a new twist on the adventure, survival and horror genres.

Once again the book ended very confusing and full of suspense along with another a bloody cliff hanger. Thank goodness I finally acquired the lovely box set so I am gonna start on the Death Cure immediately after I post this review.

Overall this book was so different from The Maze Runner in so many good ways that I enjoy it more than the first book! It exceeded my expectations and have made it to my favorite book-shelve! This is one of my favorite sequels.

Definitely pick this book up and read it! 


Also check out my video review for the book!

If you have yet to read The Maze Runner, pick it up (review here)! If you love The Maze Runner but have yet to watch the movie GO WATCH IT (review here)!

Now all we got to do is wait for 2015 for the Scorch Trials movie... 

Till then I guess I'll make a start on the Death Cure.

If you have read the book are you looking forward to the Scorch Trials movie?

I definitely am! Get me a Time Machine to 2015!

Book Review : The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel

Goodreads description:

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash.

Some work at the mall.

Becca Williamson breaks up couples.

Becca knows from experience the damage that love can do. After all, it was so-called love that turned Huxley from her childhood best friend into a social-world dictator, and love that left Becca's older sister devastated at the altar. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Becca strikes back—for just one hundred dollars via PayPal, she will trick and manipulate any couple's relationship into smithereens. And with relationship zombies overrunning her school and treating single girls as if they're second-class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even Becca's best friend, Val, has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend.

One night, Becca receives a mysterious offer to break up the most popular couple in school: Huxley and raw football team's star player, Steve. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date—starting rumors, sabotaging cell phones, breaking into cars...not to mention sneaking back into Huxley's good graces. All while fending off the inappropriate feelings she may or may not be having for Val's new boyfriend.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist would be easy.

Title: The Break-Up Artist
Author: Philip Siegel
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Chick Lit
Format: Paperback

Pages: 320
Source: Purchased from Big W

This is one smart, wicked book.

I read a sampler of the first couple chapters off the publisher's facebook page a while ago and love it so the next time I saw the book in stores I immediately got it. I meant who does not want to read a book about breaking up couples for cash?!

I am usually not a fan of relationship drama but the way this was written was bearable and addictive! The main character Becca break-up couples as a 'part time job'. Her life is already complicated with her sister recovering after being left at the alter, her best friend Val just gotten into a relationship and is neglecting their friendship making Becca jealous but also might be falling for Val's boyfriend. To top that, Becca get's an anonymous request to do the impossible, break up the school's IT couple Huxley and Steve. In books there is usually one side story that I don't care for but in this I like all three story! It parallel really well and each side story has a significant role to the book. 

There are alot of realistic talk about love ~ first love, young love, balancing relationships with life/friendship, recovering from a break up etc. It also talks about how it sucks to be the only one who is not in a relationship and the feelings of it (bitterness, left out, jealousy) and how we should not judge a person till we get to know them better.

This book is filled with flawed characters that all plays an important roll in the story development and Becca's character development. Though you aren't suppose to like them, somehow you just can't help but care for them! Well some of them...

What Becca did as 'The Break-Up Artist' was not the best or ideal thing and that she does at first come out as bitter, jealous and full of revenge plot up but as the book progresses we see her reasons and intention where she is breaking up this couples on request of the a friend/ the friends of the couple who feels neglected and unhappy due to the couple's relationship. I actually find her really smart in how she was able to pull out all of those complicated stunts like mapping out to study the target's relationship (in fact it reminded me a bit of a less geeky math and complicated version of the drafts in An Abundance of Katherine),  hacking, sabotaging, black mailing, you name it she goes to some extreme extent of making it happen. Also she has some really witty and sarcastic lines that made me laugh out loud at some parts. She's a very interesting character to read, eventually does learned her mistakes and fixes the problems. She's not the 'perfect role modal' sorta character but she is (to me) realistic and is a good person.

What surprise me was Huxley and that I actually in the end like her character! Trough the book you learn that Huxley was Becca's BFF but had their falling out when they reached High School and when Huxley has a boyfriend. For Becca in order to break up the IT couple she use the 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' concept by getting onto Huxley's good side in the process get to know her ex-best friend a lot better. At first I thought of her as the manipulative overly attached girlfriend but eventually you can't help but find her likeable and misunderstood.

Val was kinda a love-hate character for me. I was okay with Val being all boy crazy and but not a fan of her being desperate to be in a relationship and was kinda mad at her for neglecting Becca.

While I enjoyed the sister relationship between Becca and Diane, I was once again on the love-hate side for Diane. She goes into depression after being left at the alter. Though it is understandable, part of me want to jump into the book and shake her up and shout 'WAKE UP, GET A JOB AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE!' as in the book it's been over a year since the unfortunate event. Also trough the book she's about her friends moving on with their life and even though they tried to help her she shuts them off and pushes them away.

There was never a dull moment in the book. Fast pace, entertaining, dramatic and addictive. The ending was really good! Its one of those 'Bros before Hoes' important about friendship sorta ending. I kinda feel like there was an opening for a squeal (just saying :P).

Also a little bonus at the end of the book (at least for the paperback edition) there is some 'questioner' that I assume is for if the book is used in school/class where they ask some really good questions about the book as well as a q&a section with the author where he gives some really good advice for aspiring writers.

Overall definitely check this out! Its refreshing, smart and original storyline, witty dialogs, great cast of character that takes a while to warm up to (development people!) with raw realistic scenarios about love, friendship and family.  I am definitely looking forward seeing the next book Philip Siegel publishes. 

Book Review: Twice Upon a Time by Kate Forster

Goodreads Discription:

Ludo introduces Cinda to the heady world of the super-rich, taking her to parties on yachts and villas all over Europe. Sparks start to fly as Ludo and Cinda spend more and more time together, and even cautious Cinda wonders if there might be something real between them. Then Gus, Ludo's twin brother and heir to the Sardinian throne, arrives to ruin everyone's fun. Gus is obsessed with duty, and having a commoner like Cinda around just isn't part of his plan. But when fate throws Cinda and Gus together, he's astounded to discover that he and Cinda get along well. So well, in fact, that he might be prepared to throw away everything to be with her...

Title: Twice Upon a Time
Author: Kate Forster
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit, NA, Mature YA
Format: Paperback

Pages: 377
Source: Purchased from Target Australia

Get ready for some royal love, drama and adventure! 

Flirty, Fun, enchanting fairy tale romance with an interesting twist, I flew trough this book like there's no tomorrow.

I love Cinda from the start! Back packing trough Europe with her best friend Jonas, she meet's Ludo a handsome, charming local who turned out to be a crowned Prince of Sardinia and is pulled into the world of luxury... Royal style! Though she is suddenly place in a too good to be true situation where she's showered with wealth and luxury, having that she comes from humble life in Sydney, she stays down to earth as well as true to herself. Strong and independent but also a very complex character having that Cinda has been abandoned by her mother (yet again) who married a man that she have yet to meet and moves to New Zealand to start her new life with her new husband. 

Gus and Ludo, the good looking and swoon worthy twins and Princes of Sardinia, opposite in so many ways.

Ludo, though the kinder fun loving twin I like him but didn't love him and I was holding the book for my dear life expecting him to screw up in someway. Though he's your typical 'playboy' who came out a bit too free spirit and happy-go-lucky, he's passionate and respect others.

Gus the older by three minutes twin who is also the future heir to the throne, my first impression of him was a snobby, arrogant jerk who looked down on the lower class and made me want to chuck the book across the room the way he treats Cinda and Jonas (and at times his own brother) at first. Groomed to be the future king, he came out as very uptight and plays by the rules, putting honor and duty above pleasure. However after he meet Cinda he changed being lay back, compassionate and a loveable charming guy that dare I say it made me fall head-over-heals for Gus. Of all the characters in this book he certainly changed and had the most character development.

His relationship with Cinda was one of the things that made the book for me where they started out as a love-hate relationship turned friendship turned romance.

Also I freaking enjoyed Jonas! He's THE Best Friend that anyone to be friends with hits the jackpot! A budding fashion designer, he's confident, smart, hilariously sarcastic and sassy yet caring and loyal especially to Cinda. Of all the side characters I've read he is definitely my favorite! Also Alex was another great side character. The only character I didn't like was a certain Parrot (read the book and you'll get the reference though try not to throw the book across the room because of the Parrot)

While the main story line is the tension and romance between Cinda and the twins, it also talks about duty, wealth as well as family love and true love. It was very fast pace, light, flirty and addictive ( I can't put it down! need to know which guy Cinda ends up with!). It also have that modern fairy tale feel which made the book feel enchanting (lol Taylor Swift song reference).

My only complain was the ending. While I liked the mind blowing ending since it made sense with the story as it was kinda the ONLY way it can end in a happy tone, in reality and to my satisfaction it was not how I liked the story to end.

Overall another great Smitten romance story! Keep them coming as I am addicted to this cute happy swoon worthy reads!

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2) by Stephanie Perkins

Goodreads Description: 

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2)
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paperback

Pages: 338
Source: Purchased from the bookdepository

I love Anna and the French Kiss and that took me a while to pick up... This I was saving till after finals to devour it and tough it was worth the wait I am currently slapping myself silly wondering why the heck didn't I pick this up sooner!!!

Firstly while the story does have some parallel with Anna where two people want to be with each other but one of them is dating someone else. While the main story is Lola working out her feelings for her rocker (and much older) boyfriend and the fact her childhood crush Cricket who's family has moved back next door, it also has family drama, old enemies and being yourself without overdoing it. This basically your boy-next-door story with a good twist which made the story more unique

If you have not noticed I like a character centered book and the cast of characters were amazing!!!

Lola Nolan... I can only describe her in one word... unique! She's talented and artsy, daring and not afraid to stand out in the costumes (not outfits but costumes), fun loving, smart and mature though she tend not to make some of the best choices and is really really witty! I love reading from her head as she go trough some tough decisions including being honest with herself with who she love and who she really is. I love her development especially at the end though it was not a smooth ride.

Cricket... okay firstly WHO NAMES THEIR KID CRICKET?!?! Apart from the Odd name aside I freaking love him!! He is the adorable nerdy boy-next door and is super sweet especially with Lola. Some of the smallest/simplest gestures he makes makes me go 'aawww' and smile like a freak! I feel really bad for him living in the spotlight of his twin at times that his family tend to overlook his talent in inventing, but I love how he is still very supportive and proud of his sister.

Max.. at first I was okay with him thinking of him as the mysterious 'bad boy' rocker but when Cricket appear back in Lola's life I was like 'FORGET HIM!!' and hated trough the rest of the book. Though the way Lola treated him was not right I hated how he was trough out the book. Long story short he's a jerk!

Andy and Nathan who are Lola's strict and protective parents at first when it was mentioned 'other dad' I was like 'Rotan confuse' as I didn't expect Lola to be raised by two dads. I actually liked the ideal of the two dad's raising her and we rarely see same sex parents in YA . I love how Lola get along with her dads and that they play a bigger role than most book parents do. I especially love Andy trying to play cupid with Lola and Cricket! Freaking cute!

Side Characters... I liked Lindsay and that fact the author added another diverse character (she's Korean) but I felt like her character is very vague. We only get a glimpse of her every now and then. I was on the love hate side for Calliope was on the love hate side as most of the time I wanted to hate her but at the end of the book I neither love or hate her but I understand where she's coming from being the over protective twin of Cricket. Same goes for Norah, though her character eventually became better in the end I still was on the love hate section with her. My favorite side character were Anna and St Clair! Yes Anna and St Clare have a bit of involvement in this book which was a freaking surprise as I though it will just be a Cameo but it was more! Its great to see their relationship grow and mature from the previous book and their is seriously the sweetest!

I feel that Anna has changed slightly... I can't put my finger on it but when I reading her it feels different.. she's more... mature? Also my favorite line 'Anna confuse' makes an appearance!!! As for St Clare... boy is he freaking cheeky and witty and gosh do I love him even more in this book (point me to the direction where they sell St Clare!! Not Eclairs but St Clare's lol) ! He also has a more major role of helping Lola being honest with herself (technically her voice of reasons) where he makes references from his experience in the previous book since he was in the same position as Lola back then. 

While the story was predictable, I feel like this was really different from the other YA romances that I've read so far and is a huge improvement from Anna and the French Kiss.

The cast of characters was great and the story line though simple and fluffy but filled twist and turns making this not your average romance/ boy next door story. Stephenie Perkins writing is freaking fun, cute and unique! Now all I need is Isla and the Happily Ever After and my life will be complete! 

If you've read Anna and the French Kiss READ THIS!! If you have not read Anna and the French Kiss than pick it up before you read this so that you won't be all 'Anna confuse' as there are references to the previous book. Check it out also if you love Contemporary romance that are sweet and quirky!

I LOVE THIS BOOK TO PIECES and now have a new favorite book on my favorite bookshelve! Long story short JUST READ THIS! You won't regret it! And prepare to smile and giggle and swoon!

Book Review : To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han

Goodreads Description : 

Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once?

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control

Title: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1)
Author: Jenny Han
Genre: Contemporary, YA, Chick Lit, Romance
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 355
Source: Purchased from the Bookdepository

I heard so many good things about Jenny Han with her 'Summer I turn pretty' trilogy and the 'Burn for Burn' which I have yet to pick up (IDK why) but the moment I heard the concept of this book I had to pick it up!

The book focuses on  Lara Jean who writes 'good bye' love letters to her crushes, keeps them in a hat box and moves on with life. One day those letters gets send out to the guys she wrote the letters to and has to deal with the fact this boys all know how she used to feel of them. Though it sounds like a haywire situation, she actually gotten to know some of the guys better especially Peter. 

I like Lara Jean from the start. I like watching her grow trough the book having she started out as not so confident and living in the shadows of the older sister Margot to becoming more confident and independent as well as capable of looking after their little sister Kitty, their dad as well as around the house. In a way both her and Kitty did become better with Margot leaving for college as Margot was the head of the house, being an example to her sisters and keeping everything in order.

Margot is a love-hate character. Me being the eldest I could relate to her in some ways like putting siblings before myself and worrying what's gonna happen to the family when I'm off to college but I feel she has a problem of letting go and letting her sister and dad look after themselves. Though she has her good intention of being strict and protective over her family, she really just need to let go and let them learn for themself. I feel like I will have enjoyed Margot more if we gotten to know her better. In fact I think it will be cool if there were a spin-off story on her.

Kitty... gosh I love her to bits! She's wise beyond her years making me sometimes forget she's only Nine. She know's how to wrap you around her fingers as well as is very particular with who she warms up to. However don't mess with this firecracker as she'll mess with you big time! . Basically I though she was gonna be my least favorite character turned to be my most favorite (beside Lara Jean and Peter). 

Lara Jean is my most favorite character in the book! Cute, witty, free spirit and dreamy! I seriously want to be friends with her where we can hang out and bake cookies and cupcakes all day! As mentioned her character development was one of the few things that made the book for me. Yes like most main character I've read she has some flaws like the fact that she was kinda innocent and naive as well as some of the ways she handle her problems were not ideal. Though she still have some room for improvement and growing up to do she matured at the end of the book as well as learn a lesson or two about love (both family and boy wise) which made me smile.

Josh who is one of the boys that Lara wrote the letter to as well as Margot's ex-boyfriend (dun dun dun...) not to mention their neighbor so even after Margot broke up with him they still do see a lot of him. He is obviously close to Lara Jean since they are friends for a long time. Like Margot he is protective over her and Kitty. Though I like him I find him as the 'typical boy next door' aka kinda bland.

Peter... gosh he was a hate-love-hate-love-I-am-so-thorn-with-my-feelings-but-love-you-in-the-end-but-but- character. He started out as a freaking jerk who was using Lara Jean to get back at his ex (*cringe* *cringe* cringe*... okay so Lara Jean 'was' using him to hide her feelings from Josh) with going into a fake relationship (contract and all the works lol that was cute!). Peter surprised me having that he started out as the 'bad boy jock' sorta guy with a very screwy and manipulative ex but once you get to know him he can be as complex as complex gets. Yes he was a jerk in so many parts of the book I literally threw my book across the room out of frustration but he managed to redeemed himself to be quiet a good sweet guy who actually does care for Lara Jean. He show's his sweet, caring compassionate side... swoon... I need a guy like him in my life... lol. In fact most of my favorite LOL and cute moments in the book were the Lara Jean/Peter relationship. And tough I am freaking annoyed with his character, I am at the moment Team Peter! ( Now all we gotta do is kill off the jealous ex-girlfriend... any ideas?? lol)

While the book does have some high school romance and drama, I feel there was a larger focus on family love and drama which I like especially the sisterly love and father daughter love. There were some parts of the book that was emotional and heart warming. I expect this to have some cute and fluffy moments but the book turned out to be more complex than expected.

Random like but any Potter Heads will be happy with the Harry Potter reference xD 

Also in case you don't already notice from this blog (wink wink nudge nudge, check out my other book reviews) I like book with diversity, from the book characters, the place the book is set in or even the authors and this book is an example of that. The author, Jenny Han American Korean. The book talks a lot about Lara Jean's Korean culture and even though their mum (who is Korean) have passed away their dad still try to incorporate their Korean roots into their lives. 

I purposely saved this book so that I could devour after my exams and the wait was worth it! This was a real page turner and there were a couple of times where I shouted "WHAT" out of shock or frustration especially at a particular boom drop at the end where I did kinda predicted not not in the way it happened (I also threw the book at the sofa at one point and got a bit teary eye at another). The ending I was not that happy about... I literally scream 'WHY?!?! WHERE ARE THE LAST LIKE 20 PAGES OF THE BOOK (ala Augustus freaking out on an Imperial Affliction style for you TFIOS fans :P) but hey... they need to leave use hanging for the squeal for a reason since this will be a duology. 

Other than that I enjoyed this book! Sweet, heartwarming but complex reads that's filled with touching emotions (kinda got teary at one part). This is definitely more on the character/relationship driven side than the story. Check this out for likable characters that feels realistic and that you could relate to, a good family and sisterly dynamic relationship as well as unique story line concept. 

NOW GIMME THE NEXT BOOK!! NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?! WHY 2015!?!?

Who will you write a love letter to??? 

Also Team Josh or Team Peter?? 

*cough *cough *Peter ^^ 

Book Review : Lust and Found (Smitten) by Julie Fison

Goodreads Description:

Cambodia is the last place in the world Sienna wants to visit. She likes five- star hotels and exercising her credit card in air-conditioned malls – not flea- ridden hostels and trekking through the jungle.

But when her brother Eddie starts sending strange messages from Cambodia, Sienna’s mum convinces her to go check on him. Thankfully, her boyfriend agrees to go along.

When they arrive, they discover that Eddie has disappeared. Sienna just wants to find him and get the hell out of there. Everything in Cambodia
is getting to her – the language barrier, the unrelenting humidity, the mosquitos. But mostly it’s Eddie’s maddeningly hot French friend, Guillaume, who couldn’t be more unhelpful if he tried..

 

Title: Lust and Found (Smitten)

Author: Julie Fison
Genre: Contemporary, YA, NA, Romance, Chick Lit, Mature YA
Pages: 234 pages
Source: Purchased at Dymocks 

So I mentioned in my review for Love Is The New Black by Chrissie Keighery that the Smitten Romance series is one of my favorite romance series and owe most of the books in the series.

I was recently at Dymocks and saw more Smitten books and decided to pick one that the synopsis caught my attention more.

The main reason why I picked this up was cause it's set in Cambodia and not many books I've read is set in Asia so I thought why not? It will be fun to read a book set in a sorta a familiar setting ( I'm from Asia btw :P)

Reading trough the story though I love the author's description of Cambodia. In fact she is spot on on describing the setting and atmosphere especially the humidity and trust me considering I was born and bred in Asia that is one thing I never appriciate... the weather (prefer Melb cooling Autumn/winter weather... sorry to the humidity in Asia??? lol)

 The characters were probably my least favorite of the book. While Sienna started out as a self-centered, dependent, spoil-brat, gold-digger (yes I said it!) that seriously made me cringe, she eventually learned to be independent, think for herself, care for others,and most importantly change for the better.

As for Daniel, the more I read about him the more I cringe as first off he is 10 years older than Sienna. I am okay with age but his characteristic just made me cringe more and more I read about him (eventually I almost chuck the book across the room). He does online poker for a living. He comes out as a very manipulative and self centered boyfriend and what I hated about him the most is the way he treats Sienna! Literally the more he talks and say 'she's mine', 'she belong to me' the more I just want to strangle the guy and say 'she is not an object! she is a person! and stop doubting her! etc'. Seriously that's no way to treat a girl/lady! I seriously think he's better off with a puppy than a girlfriend!
(okay rant over! in otherwords i hate his character with passion! lol)

Guillaume... well he started off as an okay character with a hint of mystery in him. Not the most swoon worthy guy but as you get to know more and more about him you can't help but smile at his silliness and cuteness. 

This book is fun and adventurous! Reading it reminds me a bit of home! Also the Angkor Wat is one of the few places I hope to visit in the next few years. While I was not a big of a fan of the cast of characters in the book, as the story developed I enjoyed development of  Sienna and Guillaume characters. Also the plot twist I didn't see coming till that very second the bomb drops! The way they found Sienna's brother Eddie was a mixture of 'THAT MAKES SENSE!" and "WTH OMGASDFJKL; NO WAY" and "Wait what?! O.o?!".
 

While Sianna's journey trough Cambodia was rough and the book have its highs and lows, the pacing is never dull and the ending is happy and satisfying. 

Anyway I like the book. A nice exotic adventure romance novel that I definitely recommend. In fact you can never go wrong with a Smitten Romance novel. Pick this up if you want to find a book set in Asia, a light quick read that you can definitely brows trough on your holidays with cute, funny and flirty romance that will make you happy.

I'll be reviewing more of the other Smitten Romance books that I so far owe in the next couple of weeks so subscribe for more reviews and stay tune!

 

 

Book Review : That Boy (That Boy #1) by Jillian Dodd

Goodreads Description :

That Boy is a contemporary romance about falling in love with the boys next door.

You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits.

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth.  Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me.  And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.

Title: That Boy (That Boy #1)
Author: Jillian Dodd
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit, NA , Mature YA
Mature YAFormat: eBook
Pages:-
Source: Free off iBooks

Where do I begin.... ?!?!

Okay so I'm a fan of Jillian Dodd's The Keatyn Chronicles which I've read all the books that are so far publish so when I saw 'That Boy' on iBooks for free I had to download it!

The book is written in a diary style with cute doodles/illustrarion following JJ (Jadyn James) Reynolds from childhood till early adulthood along with her two best friend Phillip and Danny, both described as the "hot boys next door". 

We follow JJ's life is filled with fun happy times that brings a smile to your face as well as sad tragic times which could literally pull your heart strings. I like reading her monologue which is  a bit dramatic its mostly laugh out loud funny and at times adorable!

I love the characters especially our main trio. JJ's strong, tough, sarcastic, happy-go-lucky, competitive, down-to-earth and witty characteristic made me love her from page one. Yes she tends to not make some bad choices trough the book but she eventually resolves them. I also love how she has many characteristics! One moment she is just one of the guys playing football (or should I say strip football *wink *wink) and the next she's just one of the girls though she hates shopping and at times need's a girlfriends advice on what to wear for a date. I could relate with her in a lot of aspect and at the end of the book I literally want to jump into the book to ask her to be my best friend!

Phillip and Danny are total opposite guys but are equally swoon worthy! Heck even I had a tough time choosing which guy is THAT BOY!

Danny's the golden boy, quarterback on the football team, the jock that all the girls swoon over! He's fun-loving. loyal, freaking hilarious, flirty, sexy and gahhhhh just freaking amazing! Though he has the playboy sorta lifestyle he treats girls with respect (which he better since JJ did teach him a painful lesson about girls when they were kids). Although they didn't click well when they first meet, its nice to see them grow closer trough as they grow older and that they are both really similar.

Phillip is just down right preciously adorable and a freaking sweet heart!!! where can I get one??? 

Though he can be a 'bit' bossy, strict, conservative, and uptight. he's freaking sweet, sensible, always-there-for-you Prince Charming, who knows and understand JJ better than anyone since they have been friends since birth! He's been there trough every moment of JJ's life and is there to rescue, help, support, protect and be there for JJ no matter what. I literally melt the more I read about him as even as friends he is super protective on JJ and they just have this bond that they can't see but others can! 

The friendship between the trio is realistic and its heart warming watching them grow from childhood till adult hood. Also the parents and friends in the book were amazing to read as well! My favorite supporting characters are JJ's Dad which some of the more tender moments are between JJ and her Dad, Lori who is JJ's sorority sister and best friend from college as well as Phillips  mum!

The story got me hook from page one as I want to know who is 'That Boy'! Trough the book you'll go trough a roller coaster of snap shots of JJ's life of first dates, a heart wrenching tragedy, kissing 101, college life, friendship and most importantly finding 'That Boy'.

This book is ridiculously sweet and adorable and though there were times I was grinning like crazy there were some times where I felt overwhelming feels thanks to a freaking plot twist that I seriously didn't see coming! Also this book may have a 'love triangle' element but its love triangle in a diffrent way which is nice and refreshing and most importantly NOT ANNOYING! As for the romance aspect of finding out who is 'That Boy' when you do you'll be one of those who jumps in the air and screams FINAL-FLIPPING-LY and promise you that you'll be satisfied with 'THAT BOY'. 

Also the line 'That Boy' is mentioned quiet a number of times and while reading I highlighted ever single time the word 'That Boy' was mentioned and there is a variety of ways its mention (just checked iBook search and found its mentioned atleast 36 times :P) like 'I give that boy a mad face', 'I hate that boy' and my personal favorite ' WHERE THE *&%# IS THAT BOY?' which literlly made me laugh for a good 10 minute straight!

Gosh I say 'THAT BOY" so much in this post that if Riley from the Keatyn Chronicles was here I would have taking shots every time i see the word 'That Boy' trough out the book! lolz:P

 I can't believe this was Jillian Dodd's debut novel! I always thought it was the Keatyn Chronicles that came first. Anyways I love this book to pieces and was super happy and satisfied with the ending! Happy, fun, emotional goodreads with an amazing cast of characters that I grew to love and care for and a realistic storyline! Definitely give this book a go if you like contemporary romance/ chick lit and also check out Jillian Dodd's other series Keatyn Chronicles.

Also check out the author's website

I just finish the sequel 'The Wedding' which a review should be up really soon. Till then SOMEONE HAND ME THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES!!!

  

Which team are you on? Team Danny or Team Phillip?

*Team Phillip ALL THE WAY!!! (But I also like Danny ;P)