Book Review: Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan

Not in the Script

by Amy Finnegan

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance

October 7th 2014 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Source: Author

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase/order: Fullybooked * National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):

Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending years performing on cue, Emma can’t help but wonder if any part of her life is real anymore . . . particularly her romances. She’s been burned by heartthrobs (and the press) one too many times, but there’s something about Emma’s co-star on her new TV show Coyote Hills that is irresistible. Jake Elliott is gorgeous, smart and actually cares about Emma’s charitable foundation. But she’s sworn off on-set relationships. They always end badly . . . don’t they? 

This third novel in the deliciously fun If Only romance line proves that the best kinds of love stories don’t follow a script.

My Thoughts:

I'm so excited to found out the author--Amy Finnegan--has sent me a copy of this book! I have my eyes on If Only books ever since I saw them. It was a great bonus that I get to know Amy more (you will too, soon) and get my book signed! :D

Emma Taylor has been in front of the camera all her life. It captured her growing up, acting or not. And yes, including her love life. Her history with gorgeous actors didn't went well and it created a bad image on her. So when a new TV series comes up, she set her limits about dating her co-stars. Including Brett Crawford, her ultimate celebrity crush (and her laptop wallpaper), and smart and thoughtful Jake Elliott.

I've read some novels about Hollywood but none of them gave me this kind of story before. The characters are famous celebrities, but the story of this book is about their personal lives. I love that most of the scenes were off cam. It's like I've got a VIP pass on Hollywood and saw the lives of celebrities. This is what fangirls dream the most!

I love that the book-and-TV characters became friends even on their first meeting. And even though Kimmi, a new actress, could be a total B and Brett turned out to be an air-head, I found myself laughing at their banters. I almost thought/hoped they'd end up together. I love Emma and Jake's friendship too, and the progress of their relationship. They are so comfortable with each other that they don't talk about being a celebrity. I really liked Jake! I like how humble he is and just so normal. He's a perfect gentleman as well and a girl would want for in a boyfriend! He's a total package. There was only one time where I got disappointed in him, where he had a little faith in Emma. Emma on the other one, is the kind of person anyone would be cool with. She's nice, funny, and totally normal as well. 

I love the characters--they are easy to relate to, the progress of the story, and the ending...well, I'm not contented. Because I want Emma and Jake's relationship announced to the world! :P The tone of the book is light, cute, and fluffy. One thing I noticed were the italic words. There were a lot of them actually, some I don't think necessary. But that does not change the fact that this book is so sweet and enjoyable. I really like every second of it!

Not in the Script is gorgeously cute and romantic! The cover says it all. I recommend this book to Hollywood fangirls (you'd want this amazing behind-the-scenes experience, told in a YA novel!), contemporary romance fans, and everyone who wants something fun and make their day brighter. ;)

*Thank you so much  Amy Finnegan for the review copy in exchange of an honest review!

Rating:

What's Cool? MIBF 2014 + others

What's Cool? is an anytime meme where I feature all the
Cool things happened, I got, blog news, and just anything Cool!

Heya! Let me show you some NEW exciting events for Pinoy bookworms, my photos from MIBF 2014, and a blog announcement.

• Manila International Book Fair 2014

Yep, I finally attended MIBF! :D

MIBF ran through September 17th to 21st. The only available (I made it available) time I had was on the second day (18th). And I thank God because if I came there on the first day as I originally wanted, I won't be seeing this really Cool booth! Photo below.

This is a "Book Museum" booth. Inside contains Philippine's literature history, I think. I only saw some photos from my standing point. Still, I love this part!

That's the National Bookstore's booth..which was SO huge. You'd think you were visiting another branch of theirs. XD

I just have to have a photo with Fullybooked booth art! I love it, along with their ticket. I even used it as a bookmark. ;)

Me and my friend, Janine.

It was soo fun and real eye-bulging. I've never seen THAT many books before. I almost dragged a sleeping bag and lived there. I'd definitely come back next year with a saved allowance for massive book shopping (it's free to dream, hey). I only bought one book (Legend) because I don't want to spend too much. Plus, I'm broke and saving for the future book signing tours. :P

Speaking of which...

• More book signings!

Let us take a minute to tackle hug National Bookstore. Ready.. Set... ATTACK! *tackle hugs*

Thank YOU for these authors you're bringing us next!

New York Time Bestselling Authors Claudia Gray and Medeleine Roux will light up Manila and Cebu this month with a book signing event.

Claudia Gray is the author of Evernight series, Spellcaster series, and the recently published cover-lusting first book of Firebird series, A Thousand Pieces of You. Madeleine Roux wrote horror novels such as Asylum and Zombie series.

Marie Lu, NY Times Bestselling author of Legend trilogy and The Young Elites (new series), will be invading Philippines next on November 22nd and 23rd. I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET HER!

Poet Lang Leav is coming back! So if you didn't had a chance to go to her previous signing, meet her on December 5th (Cebu), December 6th, or 7th (Manila). Prepare your copies of Lullabies, and Love and Misadventures!

And the latest author to add on your list..James Frey!

Welcome the new year with NY Times Bestselling author of End Game: The Calling, A Million Little Pieces, My Friend Leonard, Bright Shiny Morning, The Warmest December, and several more.

Check this out for NBS events on Facebook. Meet you on these events!

• Books

Here are some of my Cool haul!

For review:
Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini (review)
Sway by Kat Spears (review)
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White (review)
Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios
In A Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis

Lailah by Nikki Kelly
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil
Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan + bookmarks and a sweet note!

Won:
Four by Veronica Roth

Bought:
The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer
Legend by Marie Lu

Thank you so much to Ruth and Macmillan International, Megan and HarperCollins International, Mimi and Hardie Grant Egmont, Jean at BookNerd, and Amy Finnegan! ♡ 

• Blog announcement

I would like to let you all know that I will be having another blogging hiatus. I hate to do this but I need to prepare for something big in the next two months. I won't be reading books or blogging about them except for selected books that I really need to review. So you could expect two or three reviews on the blog before my comeback.

I will be back on December or last week of November (it depends) just in time for Celebrating Debutantes 2014. As (some of) you know, CD features different YA/MG/NA debut authors of the current year. There will be interviews, 14 facts about the authors, and giveaways! Check this out for the list of debut authors participated on the two previous years.

Thank you so much for your support! I'm excited to be back soon!

***

Share me your Cool stories/haul!

Music Monday (34): Story of My Life

Music Monday is a weekly meme created by yours truly. Let's talk about music..on Mondays!

Happy birthday to me! Well...yesterday (28th). Since it's my birthday, today's Music Monday topic/playlist will be personal. The songs below tells the story of my life.

(Okay so, if you're not that interested on the story of my life, then just think that I'm sharing just another random playlist for you. :P)

• This is Me by Demi Lovato

The lyrics are definitely me. Most especially the verses.

• A Place in this World by Taylor Swift

"Maybe I'm just a girl on a mission, but I'm ready to fly."

Yep, that's why I love Tay-Tay. She knows me.

• The Outside by Taylor Swift

Always been the girl from the outside, looking in.

• Last Hope by Paramore

I recently heard this song, and since Hayley Williams sang the first word until the end, I was like, Wow. This is ME. My song. My life. Every single lyric.

• Strength of My Life by Planetshakers

This is a Christian song but it pretty much describe me now.

***

Share me your life story in songs!

Happy Monday!

Book Review: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Trial by Fire

by Josephine Angelini

Series: The Worldwalker Trilogy #1

Genre: YA, fantasy/paranormal

Published September 2nd 2014 by Feiwel & Friends

Source: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase/order: Fullybooked * National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

My Thoughts:

Lily doesn't have a life that anyone would want to have. She have a life-threatening allergies and become isolated because of it. That's why it's easy for her to want a life where she's strong and powerful...until she finally does. Lily found herself in her same but different hometown, Salem. She's still her, and her sister is still her sister but also somewhat different. And everyone treats her differently. An alternate world.

The first thing I loved about this book was the idea of alternate world and being sent there. You might have read or watched stories like that, but not me. It was my first time to encounter alternate worlds in a book with the same characters on each world. I love this concept and how tricky and clever it all turned out. I also like the world building--the way the author played on this world she wanted to be. Of course it has a huge part in the story, which made everything exciting and dangerous and mysterious.

I like Lily. She's the kind of character you'd easily be comfortable with. I like her strength without making it look like trying hard. I like her ability to make other characters--even me--laugh or just feel light. She's as light as a feather but as fierce as an eagle. Rowan didn't first appeared as your book knight because he wasn't one in the beginning. But I like how I get to know him as his character unravels bit by bit. I also love the progression of Lily and Rowan's relationship from strangers to friendship to something more. This kind of romance is one of the hard love stories I've ever read. Because they live in alternate worlds. I'm excited to find out how Josephine Angelini will work on this as I read the continuation of the story on the second and third book.

I really like Trial by Fire. It has a lot of elements that made me love it. The concept, world building, characters, plot, and its uniqueness. Unfortunately, I had a little problem with my reading progress. I read the last 1/4 of the book in bits (talk about busy) that's why I wasn't able to have huge feels like the thrill of action and romance. I end up flat affect in the ending. I wouldn't deny the epic story, though. It's just on my side. I'm also not a fan of the 'original world' story or the contemporary side in the beginning. Still, Trial by Fire is rockin' awesome. I'm excited to find out what really Lilian's--the real Lily in the alternate (magic) world--plans are and just to be in this world again.

I recommend this book to fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian lovers. Fans of Maria V. Snyder would enjoy this too.

*Thank you so much Ruth and Macmillan International for the review copy in exchange of an honest review!

Rating:

WWW Wednesdays (78) / Waiting on Wednesday (78): The Summer of Chasing Mermaids

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:

Hoping to finished Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini. So far it's really good. I just don't have enough time to read. :(

Finished Reading:

I've read Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White. You can found my review here.

Read Next:

My next read would depend on when will I finished Trial by Fire. It'll be either My Second Life by Faye Bird or Winterspell by Claire Legrand.

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
by Sarah Ockler

Expected publication: June 2015 by Simon Pulse

Blurb (Goodreads):
Sometimes, there are no words… 

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 


When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

It's a retelling of Little Mermaid! *sigh* Yes. Want. This.

***

Phew! This is the start of my next level of busy-ness. I can barely read!

This also might be my last Wednesday post too because I will be having a

two months blogging and reading hiatus.

For now, let's exchange reading status/book pick(s) for the week! Comment yours below. :)

ARC Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

Illusions of Fate 

by Kiersten White

Genre: YA, historical, fantasy/paranormal

Published September 9th 2014 by HarperTeen

Source: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase/order: Fullybooked * National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):

Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

My Thoughts:

*This review is based on advance reading copy. There might be some changes in finished copy.

This is probably my third Kiersten White book and though I still wasn't swayed, I like that she's trying out different genres, concepts, and publish one book per year. She writes a lot, I figured. I hope one day I'd come across a book from her that I'd deeply adore.

Illusions of Fate seemed to begin in a middle of a story and then everything happened so fast it's like a bird just swished by. I barely had time to learn more about the female main character and narrator of the book, Jessamin, and other characters in this book. Well, except for Eleanor. Jessamin's new found friend and best gossiper of their town. The romance was so fast too that I wasn't aware that they--Jessamin and Finn--have grown fond of each other. I was like, Wait. Did I miss something or is this how really romance was found from way back? Finn remained a mystery too until the end. He wasn't the kind of mysterious man that's exciting. It rather left me clueless.

Besides--or should I say, because of--the fast pace, I couldn't connect to the characters and whatever the story is trying to let the readers make feel or show. I do like some things about this book. Like Sir Bird. Sir Bird is a black bird that kept following Jessamin. Sir Bird is adorable one and I would love to have. He may be unfaithful to his real master, but he became faithful to what he know is good. I also like that he becomes something that I love! You'll know when you read this book. 

Overall, Illusions of Fate is an okay book for me. The ending is predictable and I may have many complaints about this book but it's not entirely bad. It is still something worth reading. If you like a magical element set in the past and adorable pets in books, I recommend this book to you. 

*Thanks to Megan and HarperCollins International for the review copy in exchange of an honest review!

Rating:

WWW Wednesdays (77) / Waiting on Wednesday (77): The Orphan Queen

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

Finished Reading:

Finally back on track! Though I'm afraid I will be behind my reading progress again soon. *sigh* Anyways! Finished Words and their Meanings by Kate Bassett, Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant, and Sway by Kat Spears.

(Click on their titles to direct to my review.)

Read Next/About to Read:


Noticed I don't have a Currently Reading entry? Well because I'm just about to read Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White. 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on.

The Orphan Queen
(The Orphan Queen #1)
by Jodi Meadows

Expected publication: March 10th 2015 by Katherine Tegen Books

Blurb (Goodreads):
Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others


Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

I'm craving for some epic fantasy these days. I have a feeling that 2015 will be for fantasies just like 2014 was for contemps. Yep, I'm like that. Anyways, I'm adding this book on my Epic Fantasy To-Read list coz this sounds really awesome. Can't wait!

***

Share me your bookish cravings below! :)