Book Review: Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Remembrance by Michelle Madow, paperback edition book cover

Remembrance

by Michelle Madow

Series: Transcend Time #1

Genre: YA, sci-fi, romance

Date published: July 25, 2011

Source: Author (thanks, Michelle!)

Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
* Book Depository * Indiebound * Smashwords

Rating: 

Summary (Goodreads):

Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.



My Thoughts:


Remembrance is a book about reincarnated romance. I have to admit that I've read few books with the same theme and I'm hoping to be welcome by fresh kind of story and not exactly like the others. Remembrance is quite different, alas.

While other books about reincarnation talks about how the two protagonist loved each other, can't live without the other, how these characters have these uber cheesy lines but NO explanation why do they lived generation after generation..Madow puts a clear answer to the Why? of a reader. And for me, it's kinda refreshing and a good news.

The book was told in Lizzie POV and started right away obsessing about this new *hot* guy. I appreciated that it started on what is the point of the story. What I didn't understand was, it started, goes on, and on and on and ended with her talking about Drew. Drew. Drew.
When they're finally together, I didn't feel the spark or the romance that much. I just sit there, read and felt nothing. Another thing: some of the scenes are predictable. I knew what will happen next even before it will. I dislike that on the books I read. I feel like I've known it before I read it.

I really liked the fact that this book was inspired of the song and music video of Taylor Swift's Love Story. Well, if it wasn't that obvious, I'm a huge fan of hers. There are times when I was reading the book I wanted to ask the author, Are you also a fan of Taylor? Because some parts were like, described her. Or her music. Especially the guy's name: Drew. Was it Drew from Teardrops on My Guitar? Lizzie. She was described as TS. Blonde, curly hair (which was obviously her because this book was inspired by Love Story, after all). And other simple things that remind me of Taylor. And then I thought, maybe it was just me being a fan.

Overall, it was nice, easy read. The only things that I didn't liked much about this book were the ones I've written above.

I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.

Recommendations:

For all romance readers. Who likes reincarnation-themed books. Taylor fan? :)

Book cover comment/s:

I loved it.

~~~

*Next book review to check out: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
*While you're here, I would like to ask you to fill this survey I'm currently having (link to form below). Ends first week of October. Feel free to spread it to others! Thanks!
Fave Debut Author of 2012

Book Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Speechless by Hannah Harrington, paperback edition book cover

Speechless

by Hannah Harrington

Genre: YA, contemporary

Date published: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Source: Netgalley

Buy: Amazon

* Barnes & Noble
 * Book Depository * Indiebound

Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret.

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.



My Thoughts:

Everyone makes mistakes. We are not perfect, after all. But when you do, do you really know you're doing it? Do consequences--positive or negative--cross your mind before doing it?

Chelsea Knot tells everyone every thing she finds out. She doesn't care what might it cause as long as it won't bother her. Until she realized she crossed the line. Speechless started showing how (sorry for the word) b*tch Chelsea can be. I admit that it bothered me and I hated her instantly that I almost thought of not continuing it. But I'm just too curious to do so.

Obviously, with the rating of 5 hearts, I loved it. Yes, it started bitchy, but of course the story became better and there's a lot a reader can learn from it, as Chelsea does. This book talks about reality. It is never nice to bully anyone, talk behind their back, use them for your own entertainment or spread rumors about them. Chelsea may have done it before, but thankfully, she woke up and see the reality that her best friend wasn't her worth at all. It's just the same with not knowing what you really are doing: does the person you're treating best friend right now is trustworthy? Doesn't use you? This book has the reality some of us must wake up to see, as well. I hope that every person reads this would learn a lesson. I hope that every one would read this. Once you can see your life clearly, you'll definitely see the person you never noticed before..the one you never knew would change your life, like Chelsea does.

Recommendations:

YA contemp readers. For all teens and teen at heart! ;)

Book cover comment/s:

I think it's really nice and I like it..though I found another book called Speechless also and with the same cover idea. ..

Book Review: Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Entangled

by Nikki Jefford

Series: Spellbound #1

Genre: YA, fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal

Editions available: ebook, paperback, Kindle
Publisher: Nikki Jefford

Date of publication: February 20, 2012

Source: Author
Buy: Book Depository * Smashwords * Amazon

Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.



My Thoughts:

I got an ebook copy from the author. She's hosting a giveaway with this book, but gave a coupon anyway on Smashwords for the hoppers. Wow, right? I've been really excited because this has been sitting on my Goodreads tbr for a while--and tada! Free from the author. ;) Thank you SO much, Nikki!

Look at the cover. A photograph of a beautiful girl who promised enchanting and magical adventure. But I didn't expect a lot from this book. As they say, looks can be deceiving. I might finish (or not finish) this with a frown on my face because I didn't liked it. And I did.

I've read several books with witches on it. All of them would end up dystopian or locked in a secluded world even if they started in a 'normal' time and surroundings. Entangled doesn't. From beginning to end, it was on a present 'normal' world, and it isn't what I didn't liked. I actually appreciated how Nikki maintained Entangled's world of 'normalcy' even though there are witches, warlocks and magics every where.

I must say that I REALLY hate Charlene. The evil twin sister. Forgive me for the word, but she's a bitch who knew nothing but being pretty and perfect and selfish. How could you do such things to your own twin sister? Or even an innocent person? And then she'd go gaga about a boy who's a jerk and a sure equivalent of her. If you could only see me how much I wanted to pull her perfect hair or cast a spell. UGH.

The other twin, on the other hand, Graylee, is a character you would definitely love to put on a book with an annoying character like Charlene. Who would knew that the next day you woke up is you're dead and on your twin sister's body? Sweet. But as I told you, she's the perfect match on Charlene's character. Graylee is not your typical sweet, too kind of female protagonist. I liked how she stands up for herself whoever contradicts or mess with her--as what she did on her sister. I liked her but there's some attitude I don't like or understand about her, like with her being short-tempered.

As much as you wanted to throw the book (or e-reader) because they're so annoying, with these type of characters, it surely will make a reader look forward into the next installment of the series, especially with the ending like this. It's not like I didn't liked this, btw, I have a frown on my face after reading this because I know I have lots of books to read for review and lots of school work to be done and have to ask the busy author a request (without knowing if it will be entertained or not) for the second book--and I. Can't. Read. It. Sooner.

Overall, the story is really good, all the characters are good and annoying and it just shows how much they are very effective to the readers (including me, of course) and this book and obviously, I can't wait to read Duplicity. I also liked the romance and looking forward to what will happen next especially with THE ending!

Recommendations:

If you love witches, magic and spells, paranormal, fantasy with a YA twist and haven't read this one, well, what are you doing?? Buy links are available above!

Book cover comment/s:

As much as I loved the cover, I don't see the connection of it to the story. It just shows that it will contain some magic, but I never encountered Graylee as literally frozen. Or maybe I'm wrong or missed something out.

Book Review: What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor, ebook edition book cover

What I Didn't Say

by Keary Taylor

Genre: YA, contemporary

Editions available: Paperback, Kindle, ebook

Publisher: Createspace / Keary Taylor

Date published: May 6, 2012

Source: Netgalley (approved by the author;

THANK YOU SO MUCH!)

Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat. 


His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.


When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.







My Thoughts:


I've missed reading contemporary that's why I had my full concentration and excitement with this one. What I Didn't Say was told by Jake Hayes'--male protagonist--POV--another reason why I'm psyched to read this. I have read books with a guy's POV (alternate with the girl's) but this is the first novel with a guy's POV for the entire book I've read. And it's really cool.


I love the way I'm into a guy's mind, for a change, but sometimes it's kinda weird to think of a girl to adore. LOL. I LOVE Jake. He's this rare stick-to-one guy (especially in high school) and easy to like. What happened to him was unimaginable and heartbreaking. Although it really helped him change for the better and the people around him.


There's a lot to love about this book. First, the characters. I told you already that Jake is hard not to (especially what he's done after the after the accident). Samantha is another main character to love. She's independent and hard-working; a definite role model. I also love Jake's family Taylor created. They are helpful, kind and loving.


Another to love--I loved--about this is the story. It's not your average YA contemporary. What I Didn't Say is a story about standing up again from a fall and mistake, loving and appreciating the people around you--especially your family--and every single blessing that you are receiving everyday, believing in yourself and having the guts to say what you're wanted dying to say.


I'm so lucky to get approved of this book, read and share it to all of you. I really enjoyed it and loved every single of it. I loved the combination of teen romance and the meaningful messages of this book to the readers, young or not. And this book made me want more from Keary Taylor.


Recommendations:


This is YA contemporary with romance, real-life issues and moral lesson that I sure know readers or not of the genre will love. To all of you!


Book cover comment/s:


Couldn't they be more sweeter? Awww.

Book Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 1st paperback edition book cover

Obsidian

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Lux #1

Genre: YA, paranormal

Editions available: Paperback, ebook, Kindle

Source: own

Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 
If I don't kill him first, that is.







My Thoughts:


I read a lot of 5, 4-star reviews about this book and saying it was awesome, that made me read this.


This is not your average paranormal story. Not vampires, wolves, angels, nor fairies. Aliens. ALIENS! How are they become so cooool and hot in this book? (1) they're not the big black-eyed, huge-headed aliens we usually see in the movies or televisions; (2) they're Luxen. An aliens made out of light and used to live in a planet called Lux (Latin for light); (3) once landed and chose to live in Earth, they copied the first person they saw, and Daemon, the male alien protagonist, is soo hot. He chose the right bod. *winks*, and; (4) they never hurt humans.


So, let me spell the thoughts that I had while reading this book. The story is really cool, but some scenes are not entirely new. Daemon's character has been told so many times--good-looking hot jerk, but eventually will softens inside.


On the first few chapters, I almost compared it to Twilight. Don't freak out! Honestly, it was just like a deja vu. A girl moved in, met a mysterious hot jerk but falls to him eventually. Some scenes are also like the same, like, when Katy was attacked by a psycho (turned out to be a rival of Luxens) and then out of the blue, there's Daemon, saving her. And the revelation part. But in Obsidian, the revelation part was amazing--my impression about the book changes on that part, onwards.


The four reasons why aliens in this book is so cool I listed above is one of the reasons I liked this book. I also love the way how they are 'alienated'. Surely, Jennifer L. Armentrout created her fantastic version of aliens. I really liked the book, enjoyed reading it and experienced heart-stopping moments--like on the action part and Katy and Daemon's moments.


Katy, the female human protagonist is cool also. I love how the book started. It's also like a deja vu--not in Twilight--but about her being a blogger and a book lover. It's so ironic, I know what's she's talking about. I wonder what will be the not-bloggers will think about that part. Reading and blogging is really obsessive and a comfort. I liked her also because even though she's not fearless, she's a fighter. She speaks her mind and I just cheered over the spaghetti scene (you'll know when you read)!


I really liked this book! Can't wait to read Onyx!




Recommendations:


Paranormal lovers. Who wants to try aliens for a change? I promise, you'll love it too!


Book cover comment/s:


Oh, yeah. That's Daemon looking oh-so hot with his gorgeous green eyes and Katy. And then there's the background sky, green as his eyes. Awesome! You wouldn't thought this book would be about aliens!


Alternate cover:

Let me also feature the book trailer because I have a few comments about it.

Now, the trailer has a lot of kissing, and I first thought this was an erotic contemporary and it made me worried. But the trailer doesn't give that justice about how great the book is. It has a scene like that on the book, yes, BUT there's not really a lot of kissing throughout the book--heck, they're even trying to avoid each other! So you shouldn't be worried that maybe that's the reason it was so popular.

Book Review: Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly, ebook edition book cover

Harmonic Feedback

by Tara Kelly


Genre: YA, music
Editions available: Hardcover, ebook, Kindle, Turkish
Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn't have friends. She has, as she's often reminded, issues. Drea's mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on "a touch of Asperger's."


Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea's preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.


It's obvious that Drea can't hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she's found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?





My Thoughts:


Drea, diagnosed with ADHD, doesn't have friends until she and her mother moved in with her grandma's. She first met Naomi, the gothic girl. Then Justin, the first guy who ever notice her. Together, they make music. 


I really like this book. Although I'm [TOTALLY] not diagnosed with ADHD, I can relate to Drea. She finds it hard to have 'social life' and just loses herself in music. She then became friends with two cool people who loves music at the same time. The romance between Drea and Justin has been cute and sweet but there's something missing. I could maybe give this book 5 hearts if only the near-ending part was different. I don't like that part because I feel like it revolved around Naomi--until the ending. I would like it to be more on Drea becoming fearless or something like people learned to appreciate her and her music. And more Drea-Justin.


I do hope, though, that these type of books would make people understand those people who has special needs and attention. They're normal, like us. It's just that there are really some things that some people aren't capable of and like we all know: we are all different. We have our own strength and weaknesses. In Drea's case, she's an exceptional musician and even if she not really socially friendly, she truly cares and loves her friends more than a normal person can do.




Recommendations:


YA, music book lovers. And if you wanted to understand what I'm talking about, read this book. And tell me if you agree with me not liking the near-end part.




Book cover comment/s:


The cover really best describes the book--where Drea, never had been out with the rain, finally do. It was like the start of her being free and happy.

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, hardbound edition book cover

Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

Genre: YA contemporary, romance

Editions available: Hardcover, paperback, ebook, Kindle,

audio CD, digital download, unabridged, audiobook, international

Source: own

Rating:

Summary (Goodreads):

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Thoughts:

Another hard part. Describing how you love the book. And expect it to be shorter--because when I love a book or a thing so much, I mostly ended up speechless and daydreaming.

I always told you that I'm a [teen] romance geek, right? And this book's just for me. The romance of Anna Oliphant and Etienne St. Clair doesn't start right away. Throughout the book, they kept their feelings for each other BECAUSE St. Clair has a girlfriend--who he doesn't want to broke up with--and in Anna's case, Meredith, her new found friend, likes him. But they stayed close and became best of friends.

I love, love, love Etienne St. Clair! He's got this sexy English accent and he's a very good-looking French dude. He also cares for me--I mean, to Anna--a lot, which is an added turn-on. Stephanie Perkins just created her best debut novel with fab protagonists. I love the story so much that I wanted MORE. More of Anna and Etienne. They indeed appear a few times on Perkins' second novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door, but it's never enough!

I also loved Lola and the Boy Next Door (will be posting my review soon) and seriously, Stephanie Perkins never should stop writing these kind of books. They're amazing--she's amazing! She's one of my fave authors now.

Recommendations:

YA contemporary romance lovers/readers/geeks like me. EVERYONE. Highly recommended!

Book cover comments/s:

There's Eiffel Tower on the background. There's a glimpse of Anna and arms of Etienne, about to held hands, taking things slow, innocently. Gorgeous!

Alternate cover/s:

 Unlike the original book cover above, now they're kissing--or, about to kiss (French kiss!)--here! Sweet. Sweet. Sweet!

German edition.

I tried Google-translating the title and it comes like this:

'Palpitations in French'. Oh, yes.

P.S Ooh, I love croissants!

Book Review: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, hardbound edition book cover

Just Listen

by Sarah Dessen

Genre: YA

Editions available: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, ebook

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Source: own

Rating: ^^^^

Summary (Goodreads):

Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything"—at least that's the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf's Department Store. This year, she's the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong. Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help,maybe Annabel can face what happened

the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

My Thoughts:

It should be a perfect school comeback. But no, it didn't happen that way. Because of what happened in the summer. No one would talk to Annabel Greene at school and if there's someone would, it's a word that you'd never want to hear. Even at home, Annabel has family issues that she's not have a clue on how to resolve.


Until there's Owen Armstrong. The loner, truth-telling music lover. Owen helped Annabel on how to face and tell her mom what she's feeling about modelling. He introduced music to her to drown all the problems she can't handle--like he did.


This book isn't just a love story. It's also about facing your problems and telling the truth. It might hurt someone else's feelings, but the important thing is: you tell the truth. Because it you don't, it could get worse. Everyone around will be affected and you will be the one who'll suffer.

Book cover comment/s:


Don't you think it's Owen who must be listening into the iPod?


Recommendation:

For people who wants to take a break from sci-fi and fantasy for a while or those who likes the combination of teen romance, real-life problems and music.

-       Michelle





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Book Review: Cross My Heart by Katie Klein

Cross My Heart by Katie Klein, Kindle/ebook version book cover

Cross My Heart

by Katie Klein

Genre: YA, romance

Editions available: Kindle, ebook

Publisher: Katie Klein

Source: own

Rating: ^^^^

Summary (Goodreads):

True love can blossom in unexpected places. This is Jaden pretending not to notice. . . .


Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen are a wrong fit from the start. Jaden is driven and focused, Harvard Med School within reach. Parker has a past-a reputation-and the rumors about his mysterious habits abound. So there's no reason why, when they're assigned to work together on a project in English, they should discover they have anything in common, or even like each other, and they definitely shouldn't be falling in love.


As they bond over Edith Wharton's tragic novella, Ethan Frome, the "bad boy" vibe Parker plays begins to dissipate. Soon, Jaden finds herself shedding her own "good girl" image: sneaking around to be with him, confiding in him, and ultimately falling hard for this leather-wearing, motorcycle-driving loner who plays into the rebel stereotype.


Still, Jaden can't shake the feeling that there's more to Parker than he's letting on. He's hiding something from her, and discovering the truth means reconciling the Parker she's grown to love with the person he really is. Because it's possible that his life inside the classroom-everything Jaden knows-is one, massive lie.

My Thoughts:


Where do I start? That's what actually popped into my head after I wrote 'Cross My Heart by Katie Klein' for review. It's a thought that I really asked myself, and did not intended to include it in here, but...

I'll start on the only negative I figured when I started reading the book. Cross My Heart has two main characters--Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen. Jaden is like, the perfect girl. Good grades, good friends, a boyfriend from the school basketball varsity, cheerleader, and a girl who 'saves the world'. While Parker, is the distant, mysterious, with bad boy reputation who wore black leather jacket every day. Good girl and a bad boy. Typical.
They became aware of each other was through a school project wherein they were unexpectedly paired up by their English teacher. Typical? Yes.


It bothers me when I read books with the same plot. It also makes me hard not to compare these books. But Katie Klein made sure to add her own flavor. Sweet, mysterious, emotional, and a twist that will make you stop for a moment and re-read to find out you read it right. Yes, I've been through that.


Although Cross My Heart might be similar to some books, I liked it. I like the romance, the thrilling parts and the twist. I've always been a sucker of fairytales and happy endings, and this book provided me those--in a modern way. A happy ending yet will leave you guessing... would they also be having a happily ever after?

Book cover comment/s:


The cover is pretty. And pink. I might ask for cover that's related to the book, but the blossoming flower is alright since the summary starts with: True love can blossom in unexpected places.


Recommendation:

Who likes teen romance on a high school scene. And who likes a hot bad boy protagonist.

-       Michelle







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