Why LA? Pourqoi Paris? Book Review

Hello-Hello! I finally put this review on the world wide web after an unexpected leave of absence from book blogging. I prioritized reading and  book pictures. ^^

Below is a sneak peak of my Why LA? Pourqoi Paris? review. 

Enjoy!

Have you ever been to Paris or LA? I can proudly say that I have. Only to Paris… And by being in Paris, I mean that I spent a maximum of an hour or two there. The majority of that time, I was in a bus station taking a break – bathroom and gas tank refill. It was a beautiful dark station with amazing bathrooms. Yes, I had to pay 50¢ (euros) for the toilet. Besides the station, I had the chances to see La Seine, the river that crosses Paris, and a few random buildings from the bus window. Now, you understand why I need to go back there?

Speaking of which, this book was a great catalyst to remember my love for France and French culture. With the American culture, I am well acquainted already. Wink-Wink. And regardless of my previous knowledge about these amazing cities, Diane Ratican’s travel guide poked my interest in them again...

Miraculous: Tales of Lady Bug and Cat Noir: Akumatized Vol. 4 by Zag Entertainment, Cheryl Black, Nicole D'Andria

Ladybug and Cat Noir, the defenders of Paris, continue to face off against Hawk Moth and his akumatized victims. First they must fight Dark Cupid, whose heart gets broken on Valentine’s Day. Then they must survive Horrificator, a slimy monster that grows more powerful as it causes fear. Finally, the duo encounter Le Mime, whose powers may be just too real for them to handle! Collects MIRACULOUS #10-12  Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir: Akumatized - Goodreads

My Opinion

4/5 stars

This was fun a read. It felt like watching the episodes all over again. You get the same amount of fun, adventure, and cuteness only it's in stop-motion this time. You read me right. Copy and paste. The same graphics with the same story lines. (Apparently, it is a popular thing nowadays.) For a fan of the show, like myself, this should not be a turn off. You saw the TV Show thus you know the content already. Sooo... I am a little biased in this review as you can see. 

Oops!  ^_^'

They did a great job with the transition process from motion-picture to paper. The dialogue is on point and the graphics are well arranged. As a reader, it was easy to follow the story through the lines of the characters.
"Aaand why did I take a star off," you ask. Well, I was expecting something different like some other stories added to the universe or the graphics to be more cartoon-ish - comic book style.
All in all, this was my cuppa tea. If you are looking for a fun and easy read, it might be yours too.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

***I would like to thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this comic book in exchange for an honest review. ***

P.S.

Feel free to leave your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in the comment section. You can also find my last book review -->HERE<-- and my last music post -->HERE<---.

See you in my next post!

A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran Book Five in the Rules for the Reckless Series

Book Synopsis

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL...
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.
...NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for... A Lady's Code of Misconduct - Goodreads

 

 

 

My Opinion

4.5/5 stars.

Love. Politics. History. Conspiracies. Conflicting morals. Deceit. Redemption. And hot-bad-boy guy with a secretly good heart... and a hot-good-of-heart girl with lots of brains and a rebellious spirit. There are lots of "and's" in my last sentence... I know.

Something I was not expecting in this story was the politics driven plot intertwined with a love story. Although, the surprising part is. That. I. Freaking. Loved. It. I was expecting to get bored and forced myself to finish the book. That was so not the case. It was exactly what I needed: A good romance story which is not too focused on the romance part. Oxymoron right there. 

The beginning is what hooked me up in the first place.  Not too fast and not too slow. Our beloved characters were in positions where they will do anything to get what they desire. This leads to an unlikely alliance to form between the desire of freedom and power which sparks the chances of a new beginning for our protagonists.

Jane and Crispin go through a fantastic character development. They realize that people are not completely good or evil. You just have to choose which side to use more but most importantly how to find a balance between the two. Speaking of character growth. I was not a big fan of acknowledging someone as being two persons in the same time. It was like the author was trying to say Crispin had a split personality... I understood where she was going with it... But it still felt a bit cringe worthy at times.

What I admired the most in this story was the sense of a real partnership between the main characters. And believe it or not is quite rare these days. It was not about sexual lust and how it can lead to a good relationship in the end... It was so much more than that. It was... How do you say it? Complicated. Yes. Complicated.

Of course, most people might get turned off by the plot focused on politics which is understandable if you are not a big politics fan - like myself, I could say. However, you might also surprisingly find yourself enjoying the book just... like myself. :D

All in all, I could proudly say that this was my cuppa tea. One of my all time favorites - romance section - I dare to say.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.    

Genre/Category: Adult, Historical Romance, Fiction, Politics, Mystery

Language: none to mild, maybe none

Sexual Content: well... heavy but within reason

Violence: moderate 

Drugs and Alcohol: mild to moderate 

P.S.

I would like to read your thoughts, feelings, and opinions about this book and if you want to read my last book review you can click --> HERE <-- or you can check my previous song pick post --> HERE <--.

See ya in my next post!

Vernal by Randi Cooley Wilson A Book with too Much Romance

Book Synopsis

Serena has a bright future etched in stone. 
Tristan has a dark past that haunts him. 
Together, they have a love that can never be.
Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher’s current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she’s ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can’t keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all?
When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Vernal, the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series is a dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away. Vernal - Goodreads

My Opinion

2.75/5.00 Stars

I should just post my rough draft as it is because I am out of words. Ha-Ha-Ha!

Moving on to the actual review...

I requested this book from NetGalley a long time ago. The premise sounded promising but I got lost along the way. I had to face the same problem I usually find in books like this one. The romance took over the entire plot. :/

While reading Vernal, I learn that it is a spin off series starter. Nothing wrong with that; although, for a new comer like myself, things were not 100% clear. Little details were offered regarding the world and plot. From what is presented, the setting, the magic system and its background seemed interesting. And this is unfortunate because, just like the characters, the story had a lot of potential.

Speaking of characters... I thought there is going to be more about exploration and build up when the romance element entered the scene. As in, how the protagonists connect and try to figure out this inexplicable connection/attraction they feel about each other. Instead... Bam! Everything ruined by the sex. They spend more time talking about and being intimate than knowing each other. Then, that whole "I am super possessive and inexplicable jealous alpha male. Everything you do is wrong and I own you" and "I am a strong woman capable of anything but I cannot live without you and I am owned by you and you are the only male who can tame me" was not my style. They looked like decent characters and had good qualities here and there but.... In the end, they got overshadowed by the romance and nonexistent plot. Also, there was not a concrete reason why Serena is special and has to become the next ruler.

All in all this book was not for me. Like I use to say, this was not my cuppa tea because of too much sugar was added. It was not what I expected at all.

[I gave it such a high rating because it had enough to keep me entertained and not DNF (do not finish) it.]

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban

Language: Heavy

Sexual Content: Heavy

Violence: Heavy

Drugs/Alcohol: Heavy

P.S. 

• You can check out my latest post -->HERE<--  

Mine, Forever and Always by Tammy L. Bailey - A short and Heart Aching Romance

Book Synopsis

Just shy of fifteen years old, and during a fake and impromptu wedding ceremony, Lily Scott married her best friend's brother, Henry Dalton.

It seemed harmless enough until he leaned in and whispered to her his true feelings, amorous words she has been unable to forget: Now you’re mine, forever and always. 

Unfortunately, growing up pulls them apart and transforms Henry into a pompous scoundrel. When they meet again at a house party hosted by Henry’s sister, will Henry remember his once faithful promise to Lily? Mine, Forever and Always - Goodreads 

My Opinion

5.00/5.00 stars

Just read it if you are into romance. This is a lovely story about the love of two people which has to pass the test of time and society. Life forced them to go on their separate ways regardless of what their hearts wanted. And, now, they meet each other again. There is angst and there is tension. Question is: Does the love between them still exists? Or is it just a beautiful memory of the past?
What can I say? The feelings... are so overwhelming. I do not have enough words to praise this novella. Despite it's length, we get a lot of content about the main characters and the other players in the story. It is a torturous, genuine love. Your heart will melt, ache, get butterflies, mushy, and - finally - teary. I do not want to say too much about the plot cause... spoilers. Obviously! The author has a beautiful writing because everything floated nicely. No boring part. No excessive descriptions. Right words were used to ensure the reader that there are a solid background to the narrative and well-rounded characters which are not just flat instruments of yielding a romance. I wished this was a full novel because there is so much room for expanding and exploring; although, I am afraid it might cut the beauty of the novella in some parts. 
Sometimes the  short length might give a writing work a feel of unresolved or anticlimactic endings. Like, there has to be more to it than what's already published. Thus, I understand why some readers may give this one a lower rating. But for me, a strong impression on my mood while reading it's enough sometimes. Not every good piece has to be lengthy. The information is there only not in so many words as you may like it to be.     
Now, I am waiting patiently for the next story in the series. The author promised a new story in the future regarding other characters who were introduced in the book. She said that time is of the essence for her inspiration to come and the final product be good.
This was definitely my cup of tea. And, it might be yours too. Do not get mislead by the cover. 
Ah... Just read it! 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Novella

Language: none to mild (most likely none)
Sexual content: moderate to heavy-ish
Violence: none to mild (mentioned)

Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild (mentioned)

P.S. 

• You can check out my latest post -->HERE<--

To Tempt a Viscount by Naomi Boom Entangled Nobility One or A Romance in Need of More Romance

 

Book Synopsis

Lady Laura Rosing knows two things: first, she will marry for love, and second, she detests rakes. When she meets Lord Gavin Farris, she understands immediately that he fails both her criteria, and worse yet, he is an absolute cad who refuses to leave her be.
Lord Farris has always appreciated women and cannot understand why Lady Laura is so resistant to his charms. While pretty, she is not his usual type, but something about her intrigues him. Much to his chagrin, he finds himself desperately in love with her, but he may be too late. His adamant refusal to marry just might have planted her firmly in the arms of another. To Tempt a Viscount - Goodreads 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Opinion

3.75/5 stars.
This book was something different than my usual Romance-Regency novel. I like Laura and Lord Gavin. They were the typical protagonists you normally find in these books. The girl is an innocent debutante who separates from the others through her unique beauty and wit. The guy is a rake who does not believe in love until he meets the heroine then he has a change of heart. (Pun intended.)
Since these are my favorite tropes... I am not going to complain. For these things alone, I will give this book a green card.
The beginning was promising. We have cousin Eleanor who pretends to be a dove but she is a viper instead. I did not know how Laura could tolerate her throughout the whole book. I called her act and disliked - since hate is such a strong word - her from the moment she was introduced. Laura and Gavin have a wonderful chemistry. And the setting is the perfect place for romance to bloom.
After the tragic moment which - in general - separates the protagonists in all romance novel, things stared to slow down a little. It was not necessarily bad because we get to know potential great - and probably future - characters like Alexa, Lord Collins, and Lord Farris' mother. The lack of major interaction between the love interests was unexpected and a bit disappointing. Reading about their genuine attraction, I was expecting more steam... way more steam than the author offered. Surprisingly, I still had the drive to know what happens next.
Overall the story was done nicely with a good writing. Well... probably with a few awkward phrases here and there. For a debate novel, this was pretty good. I can see that the author has great potential to grow. That is why I gave such a high star rating, for encouragement. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
To Tempt a Viscount was my cup of tea with the tea a little under brewed.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: mild to moderate
Violence: none to mild
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild



 

Beauty and The Beast Manga Movie Adaptation by Mallory Reaves

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Disclaimer: The original photos were created by Tokyopop and Mallory Reaves based on the Disney's musical live-action movie Beauty and the Beast. I just used Paint to manipulate and tweak the photos. I do not own the original pictures or the story. 

 

Synopsis  

In Disney's live-action film Beauty and the Beast, Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince inside. This manga explores Belle's innermost thoughts as she learns that true beauty comes from within. Belle's Tale - Goodreads

A tale as old as time ... told in timeless manga style

Disney's much-anticipated live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" hits theaters in March 2017, and it stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. This original two-part manga series is based upon the upcoming movie... but you've never seen this classic love story told quite this way before.
The "Beauty" manga delves into Belle's deepest thoughts as she's taken prisoner by the Beast in his majestic castle. Where the "Beast" manga explores Beast's deepest thoughts as he captures Belle in his castle and finds himself falling in love with her feisty attitude and adventurous spirit. The Beast's Tale - Goodreads

My Opinion

Belle's Tale - 3.75/5.00 stars The Beast's Tale - 4.75/5.00 stars

I am going to start by saying that the graphics of this manga were exquisite. (Oh! Look at me using big words.) The overall story was not very far from the original Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the cartoon. I know. I haven't seen my most anticipated 2017 movie, yet. Notice the "yet."

Since it is based on the movie, there may be lots of spoilers.

We learn more about the characters' backgrounds. Belle's part was confusing-ish and felt cut short, in a way, while The Beast's was intriguing. Probably because we knew so little about the beast in the previous Disney's adaptation. Or the manga story makes more sense the second time and it happens to be The Beast's point of view. The overall dialogue combined with the images made the tale to flow rather nicely. Since the manga focused on Belle and The Beast, we do not see too much of Gaston and LeFou. Some plot holes are here and there because of the shift from third person - seen in the movies - to first person in the manga (e.g. the crowd from the castle).

This was a great quick read. And if you are a Beauty and the Beast, you might want to ask Mrs. Potts for some tea because this might be your cup of tea. ;)

Also, are you caving for more Beauty and the Beast? Feel free to check out my review on the French adaptation, La Belle et la Bête, here. 

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^ 

 

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fairy Tale, Manga, Graphic Novel, Sequential Art
Language: none
Sexual content: none to mild
Violence: moderate to heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: none

 

Marrying the Wrong Earl by Callie Hutton, Lords and Ladies in Love Two

Book Synopsis

Lady Arabella Danvers is happy with her life just the way it is. She is free to be herself and take care of broken and abandoned animals. Her mother is desperate for her to marry, and has decided to take things into her own hands. There is just one little problem with her plan.
Nash, the Earl of Clarendon has determined it is time to take a wife. He has selected a woman to whom he intends to propose. However, the annoying Lady Arabella has stumbled into his life at the wrong time, and in the wrong place.
But he of all people should know if Lady Arabella is involved, plans will go awry.  Marrying the Wrong Earl - Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Opinion

3.5/5 stars.
This book has the classic elements you will find in an historical regency romance/erotica. Arabella is a smart girl with different interests than the society expects her to have. Of course, everybody is against her odd hobby and she is "shake it off" Taylor Swift style (that dreadful song you cannot "Shake it off" once you are forced to listen a million times :D). Nash... Well, he is the metaphorical pain in the bottom. I think I spent more time being angry with him throughout the book than admiring his good side. In my opinion, the author spent to much time on the couple's fights than their chemistry. I am not afraid to say that most of the time Arabella ended up looking like the oppressed and Nash like the oppressor. A lot of you would say that I should think about the society's mindset during those times etc. I know but reality is different in most of the cases than the people who record history let us believe. 
I liked the characters separately than together.

The character development happened suddenly rather than smoothly.
Arabella was the reason I continued reading the book until the end and I was glad. That ending melted my heart. I wanted more from it. How Nash and Arabella clicked and realized what's important... Oh! I wanted the book to be longer.
This story was like an overly bitter cup of green tea. I loved it at times and it angered me at other times. And I still have that bitter after taste because of some scenes which reflected a real reality. (Yes, I am aware of my repetition. It was intentional.)
In terms of my recommendation, I wished I had read more books by this author to make a comparison. Although, I got the feeling that she has better stories up her sleeves because of her good writing style.
Feel free to make your own impression on the book.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^


I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency
Language:  moderate
Sexual content: heavy
Violence: none to moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate

  

 

Elves by Jean-Luc Istin, Kyko Duarte (Illustrations), Nicolas Jarry, Gianluca Maconi (Illustrator) A Graphic Novel Fitting for Earth Day

 

Publication Day: May 2nd, 2017

 

Book Synopsis

"The crystal of the Blue elves" by Istin and Duarte
The Blue Elves of Ennlya, a small port town of Nordrenn, have been murdered!
Lanawyn, a Blue Elf, and Turin, her human ally, set out to discover who is responsible. The trail they uncover leads back to a clan of Yrlans—Northern men who hate Elves.
At the same time, Vaalann, a young Blue Elf, undergoes a dangerous test called the Water of the Senses. Her future, as divined by the Mother Prophetess, is closely linked to the Sacred Crystal . . . a powerful artifact that enables the wielder to control the ocean itself!
Could Vaalann be the messiah that the Blue Elves have been waiting generations for?
"The honor of Sylvan elves" by Jarry and Maconi
The Sylvan Elves have hidden themselves away from the world, jealously preserving their independence and sacred grounds. Anyone who dares enter their territory soon becomes their prey.
Eysine, City-State of the East, has always observed respect for the ancient pact between Elf and Man. But when a powerful army of Ork mercenaries lays siege to the kingdom, Llali, the daughter of the King of the city, must remind the Elves of the treaty that previously linked their two peoples.
This tale is that of two races who have forgotten their shared past. It is also that of an Elf and a Human who carry with them the power to reawaken this bond.
Thus begins Elves, a sprawling saga of mythic proportions!
In the vein the Lord of the Rings and other high fantasy classics, this richly illustrated graphic novel series contains five volumes, each focusing one of five main classes of Elves. Elves - Goodreads

 

My Opinion

3.75/5 stars

I picked this graphic novel based on the cover mostly because... Amazing Graphics. Get it? Alright! Moving on... In my opinion, the artwork makes more than 50% of the story when it comes to comic books and graphic novels. So, this is my number one criteria in my choosing. Elves does not disappoint at the art category. It's realistic, colorful, and fantastic.

Story-wise... It gets complicated. I was expecting the story to continue from issue one to issue two but it was not. Based on this volume, I can assume that the whole series is more of a collection of stories revolving around elves in the same universe. While reading this volume, I got major The Shannara Chronicles TV Show vibes because the two stories are somewhat similar. War. Magical stone.  Humans. Elves. Orks. And the list can continue.

My favorite story of the two was the second one. It had a better development compered two the first which had some plot holes. Both have major plot twists... AND the authors do not have mercy at ALL. Expect the unexpected.

This is NOT for younger audiences. Lots of blood, violence, and nudity; although, you will see more of the first two.

A quick read. Great for that peculiar period when you crave some high fantasy. It might be your cup of tea if you like any of the elements I listed above.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
Language:  heavy (use of f-word a couple of times)
Sexual content: heavy (mostly nudity and innuendoes)
Violence: heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: none to moderate

Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken With More Depth than the Title and Synopsis Let You Believe

Book Synopsis

Lucas Thorn wasn’t born a cheater. All it took was a single moment—say, a certain disastrous incident on the night before his wedding—and boom. Reputation destroyed forever and always. So now he owns it. He has a lady friend for every night of the week (except Sundays—God’s day and all), and his rules are simple: No commitments. No exceptions.
But a certain smart-mouthed, strawberry blonde vixen is about to blow that all to hell.
Avery Black has never forgiven Lucas for cheating on her sister. And suddenly being forced to work with him is pretty much a nightmare on steroids. Of course, it does afford her the opportunity to make his life as difficult as possible. But no good revenge scheme comes without payback. Because he didn’t become the Lucas Thorn without learning a few things about women.
Now Avery’s lust for vengeance has turned into, well, lust. And if Lucas stops cheating, it’s definitely not because he’s falling in love… Cheater - Goodreads

 

My Opinion

3.65/5 stars

Are you in a mood for a quick romance? Well... This is one of them. And do not be fooled by the synopsis, there is so much depth to the story. Ahhh... I want to use "and" again... I think the synopsis together with the title are kind of misleading . Yes, the guy practices polygyny (= one male having more than one female mate). Yes, he cheated (observe the past tense here). Also, all his "lady friend for every night of the week" gave their consent for this type of relationship and knew from the beginning that there are other women. Oddly enough - in a good way -  Lucas wants companionship and offers companionship to these women, not just sex.

This story is more about two people who, by fate, meet again and reconnect. They receive a second chance to confront the truth about their past and feelings for each other. 

What bothered me the most were the parents. Lucas and Avery were unable to say no to them. And they were so... soooo... or how the naughty side of me wants to actually say it... ANNOYING as f. I say no to my mom even when she is telling me to eat bread even though I am masticating bread in that very moment. :)) I value my mother's opinion very very very much but I will be unable to accept her to control me the same way Lucas and Avery are controlled by their parents.

And Lucas' parents! I am only going to say this: Come! On! He is your son. He is more important than your BFF's.

Also, take in consideration that they, all the parents, appear briefly through the book and are used as a tool to drive the story to an end. 

Other than that, they seemed nice enough. (^_^) :D

Ha-Ha-Ha!

I liked this story a lot. It was sexy, sweet, and bitter due to so much heartache. Cheater came this close - B L A N K  S P A C E  B L A N K  S P A C E - to reach the complexity of Gabriel's Inferno (Goodreads) by Sylvain Reynard.

This was my cuppa tea.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Language: mild to heavy
Sexual content: heavy
Violence: mild
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate
 

Letters to the Lost by Brigid kemmerer which Turn into E-mails Faster than You Can Say "Letters"

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Book Synopsis

Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.
Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.
When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart. Letters to the Lost - Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Opinion

4.5/5 stars

 I requested this book somewhat blindly from NetGalley. It looked and sounded interesting so... I thought I should give it a shot. Oh, boy! I was not disappointed.
It was a light read and easy to follow with a nice flow of events. Letters to the Lost brings into question the society and its views. Perfect families are not perfect. People can be both villains and heroes at the same time. People are people no matter the age. Lack of communication and expression of feelings can get you in deep trouble with those around you. Being misunderstood is a consequence of that. From all these books I am reading lately, including this one, I get this feeling that they are trying to transmit a message: Do not lie or, so called, protect the children from problems because things have their own way at getting back at you and backfire. Secrets are not good in a family. Children do not need to be protected from problems all the time. They need to understand and have someone to guide them through problems  because they need to learn. You can't just dump the problems onto a child's shoulders either. There has to be a balance. In my opinion, this book does a great job at presenting all these ethical issues. Also... Let's just say that in some parts... it does too much and, for me, it was quite far fetched. Oh! That might be the case because I've seen that plot twist so many times in books, movies, and TV shows. I mean, come on! It was obvious. :D
The dynamic  between the main characters is interesting. We are able to see the general two sides of human nature: the societal act and the true self. I can say the anonymous conversations were good therapy sessions for the two of them. Overall their story has a realistic-ish but beautiful resolution - too fast maybe? The romance factor was... yes and no at times. Don't get me wrong, it played nicely for the overall story. Although, it lacked some depth due to the issue I am going to discuss below.
The females in the book felt shallow and underdeveloped as characters. I was more connected with Declan which is not a bad thing... I wanted to see more sides of Juliet through her grief and sorrow. And this is my mature brain speaking, she spent a great deal of the book over idolizing her mother than paying attention to herself and others. And her best friend was just there. By the end of the storyline, I was not able to comprehend her existence in this novel. She had lots of potential from the bits of information I got about her from Juliet. Throughout the whole book, I was expecting her to be a back stabbing traitor but it was not like that - thank goodness! More details about the females characters were needed compared to the male ones. I do not know... You can say it was understandable since it is a light tragic young adult novel.  (I cannot believe that I've jut put "light" and "tragic" in the same sentence and in close proximity.) Or, that is just how I perceive it.

Finally, get some melancholic instrumental music, ask for magical power to make the weather gloomy and - by the end of the book - sunny, and see if this is your cup of tea.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: mild
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate

Twisted Luck by Mia Downing or a Contemporary Demon Love Story

Publication Date: April 7, 2017

Book Synopsis

When I told him to go to hell, I never realized it would be a trip for two.
All I wanted was luck—the good kind. I’d lost my job, a jerk hacked my bank account, and I caught my best friend screwing my fiancé. When stood up by my Internet date in a bar, I met the perfect man—tall, dark, and handsome in the most expensive suit. He was out of my league, but I didn’t want forever.
I barely remember the words he whispered under the veil of sin and seduction. I didn’t believe in Satan, God, Heaven or Hell. I thought he was kidding. A figment. A dream.
I was wrong. With one, breathless yes, my fate was sealed.
Businessman by day, demon by night, Leo Weston now owns my soul in exchange for good luck. Time is ticking as he works to secure my mother’s soul, too. Somehow, I have to take him down despite him being so damned gorgeous, glib, and devious. Will my gift of twisted luck be enough to save her and protect my heart? Twisted Luck - Goodreads

My Opinion

3.65/5 Stars

Well! Well! Well, dearies! Twisted Luck was a) a quick read b) funny and c) unique. Although, major WARNING in the sexy-time department!

After finishing this book, you are going to say, "I want more." At least, I did. There is so much more to explore in this book-universe. Being a romance/erotica, the romantic relationship drives the whole story leaving some stuff unexplored to the core.

As a side note: If you are a fan of the CW TV show, Supernatural, this book is no stranger to you. After watching an episode from season 12 of Supernatural, I was able to see it clearly. You know... I was finally able to pinpoint the familiarity I felt while reading Twisted Luck.

Sweet, funny, and cheesy are the first words which come to my mind about this love story. I got attached to the main characters so much. The author did a good job creating our protagonists with complex personalities with a touch of realism. Olivia and Leo are the ones who make this book addicting as chocolate and worth reading.

Speaking of characters, I wanted to see more of Babu and Annie, and Samuel to be more complex like Leo and not purely evil. And... I wonder how many "and's" I can squeeze in such a close proximity to one another?... That's just me. What I felt.

I know this is a romance novel but I want to know more about the demons' system and other small details which seemed brushed off to the side, like:

• the significance of the jingling change in pockets;
• why demons change their human names;
• make the "love" thing to be more believable and a more thorough explanation of why it is unacceptable.

The ending was a little anticlimactic. Or I was too tired to pay attention since it was quite late in the night. The open ending is satisfactory enough; although, it has some unanswered questions and plot holes. We still do not get concrete answers. Some people might be fine with it. I got a feeling that it was done somewhat purposely to leave room for a potential book two. Who knows? The author and the publishing company, obviously. Anyway, I will not complain if we get a second book. With that ending, we... I definitely need one.

Yes, I know! The cover is supper cheese but do not judge a book by its cover. And you're gonna say,"Yeah, right! I hope you are kidding because we all know this is not the case nowadays." Then my response will be, "What are you? The book inquisition?"

Alright! The book presents an interesting aspect. If you like a steamy romance with demons or the TV shows Lucifer  and Supernatural (especially Supernatural) then this is your cup of tea.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Language: heavy
Sexual content: heavy
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate to heavy (in the beginning - alcohol)

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles - The book with two sides Contemporary and Fantasy

Book Synopsis

For the perfect love, what would you be willing to lose?
It’s been a shattering year for seventeen-year-old Zoe, who’s still reeling from her father's shockingly sudden death in a caving accident and her neighbors’ mysterious disappearance from their own home. Then on a terrifying sub-zero, blizzardy night in Montana, she and her brother are brutally attacked in a cabin in the woods—only to be rescued by a mysterious bounty hunter they call X.
X is no ordinary bounty hunter. He is from a hell called the Lowlands, sent to claim the soul of Zoe’s evil attacker and others like him. X is forbidden from revealing himself to anyone other than his prey, but he casts aside the Lowlands’ rules for Zoe. As they learn more about their colliding worlds, they begin to question the past, their fate, and their future. The Edge of Everything

 

My Opinion

3.75/5 starts.

This book stays at the edge of Contemporary and Fantasy (Paranormal). It was strange and a page turner. Jeff Giles succeeded to create something fresh and unique.

When the blurb came out about this book, a lot of people - including me - thought this was a contemporary novel. Wrong. Alright, half wrong. It is so much more than that.

You might want to read this book only for its beginning and end. There is so much tension and suspense that you want to grip something tightly. For a second, I got the impression I was reading a thriller/horror novel.

There are two worlds in this book-universe: our world and the Low Lands - kind of like a hell type of dimension. Our main characters are star crossed lovers from these two worlds, Zoe and X respectively. Their life stories are very interesting so I will let the book to tell you more about them.

The good romance loses same of its credibility due to the rushed start. It was like the author knew that they are going to be together and he was not quite sure how to deal with it so it happened quite fast. Don't get me wrong some moments felt real and genuine.

I feel like I am in minority because I preferred X's part of the story even though we still need to learn more about it. Zoe was a weird character and I mixed feelings about her. In one scene I was liking her and in the next I was despising her. She was not too considered and responsible at times. I grew more sympathetic towards her at the end of the book when things started to get resolved - somewhat.

I liked that the parent figure is not brushed off and be there just for show. That mother was involved. I am so glad. Lately, I see in a lot of YA books that the parent is portrayed as a villain or uncaring or dead or simply not there. And, my dear readers, I feel frustrated because it is not a good representation of how the parent-child relationship should be. In a lot of instances, I detected myself thinking, "That is not how my relationship with my parents is."  I am not saying that those instances are not real too... But as I got older, I realized these type of books can send a dangerous messages - directly or indirectly - to the younger audience. And it is not good. It took me a good junk of my life to realize that the adults in my life were also teenagers at some point.  (That is a lot of time of my life since I just reached adulthood. Adulthood such a weird word to say about myself when I do not feel like and adult at all.)

I was intrigued by the other bounty hunters (Banger and Ripper). I never thought I was going to feel sympathetic towards killers. I am telling you. This book is toying with your mind forcing you to see that things are not always black or white.

As a Minor Spoiler - How the heck did those dogs are still alive by the end of this book? Don't get it wrong, I am not complaining. It is just unbelievable among other things. - End Spoiler

Overall, this book was my cup of tea. Although, something was off and I cannot put my finger on it. I am looking forward to the next installment. I recommend this for its story arc which overshadows the annoying parts. In my opinion, it is something unique because it uses things we have read before but in an unexpected combination.

Give this book a try if you feel like it is something you would like to read.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

Feel free to check out my post on The Edge of Everything - Booksplosion Book Pick and the book discussion, The Edge of Everything - Live Show, on polandbananasBOOKS YouTube channel.  

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Language: moderate
Sexual content: moderate
Violence: moderate to heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: mild