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October 30, 2011

Review: The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry - Juhina

The Next Door Boys
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc
Author: Jolene B. Perry
Publication date: October 4th, 2011
Genre(s): Young Adult (Romance)
Source: NetGalley
Pages: 272
My Rating★★★
Synopsis:
With her body still recovering from last year's cancer treatments, Leigh Tressman is determined to be independent. Despite the interference from her overprotective brother, physical frustrations, and spiritual dilemmas— not to mention the ever expanding line of young men ready to fall in love with her— Leigh discovers what it actually means to stand on her own and learns that love can be found in unexpected but delightful places.

My Review:

This book was exactly what i needed to read. A well written story about a 20 year old cancer survivor that wants her independence by going to college, the catch? she has to move next door to her older brother, Jaron and his two roommates, Brian and Stuart. I really loved how the protagonist, Leigh. She is independent, optimistic and strong. I can relate that sometimes the need for independence could blind sight you in terms of what is best for you.

I liked the setting and plot of this book. I found it to be very realistic, that has always been a problem in many contemporary books, but this book didn't disappoint. Even though i was hesitant about reading this book at first, I've read how much religion is a part of this book but it honestly didn't bother me here. I have my own beliefs and I'm always interested in knowing about other religions.

I adored many of the characters, such as Brian, Julie, and Nathan. I always have a soft spot for kids so I found the moments of Nathan and Leigh to be so emotional and lovable, emotional because Leigh can't have kids (ovarian cancer), and lovable because of the sweetness of those two together! I always had a smile on my face when they were together.

I think the romance was also very believable, it wasn't the whole love at first sight, i can't live without you! unrealistic love. It was a slow build up, to what becme Leigh's true love.

I didn't know what to expect from "The Next Door Boys" when i started reading it but it definitely exceeded any expectations i might have had! this is a contemporary novel about hope, love, finding your self and coming to terms with what god has given you.


October 29, 2011

In My Mailbox (3)


In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. In this post you just show all the books you have either bought, borrowed, won, or was gifted for this week.

This week has been a chill week. Borrowed some books from the library, and recieved the book i won in a giveaway!


Here is what we got this week!





Won
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White - from Amy @ Amy's Book Den

Borrowed
The Queen of Everything by Deb Caletti 
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (For Farah to read!)
The Earth, My Butt, and other Big Round Things by Carolyn Macker (Juhina LOVED it!, Farah MUST read it)

For Review from NetGalley
The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry (Juhina reading it and liking it so far!)





What did you get in your mailbox this week? :)



Review: Beach Blondes by Katherine Applegate - Juhina


Author: Katherine Applegate
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: May 6th, 2008
Genre(s): Young Adult (Romance)
Source: paperback
Pages: 720
My Rating★★★
Synopsis (via goodreads): 
 Summer Smith is in for the best summer of her life. Between the cold weather and her boyfriendless existence in Minnesota, Summer is ready for sun, sand, and boys in the Florida Keys. And by the end of the first day, she has more than enough to keep her busy: Adam, the senator's son, has looks, power, and all the money in the world. Diver, the mystery man, is mellow, intriguing, and definitely unique. And Seth, the perfect guy...only he has a girlfriend. But with new friends, cute guys, and miles of hot white sand, Summer's in for more trouble than she thinks


So this book was… long. I was pining for this book since the beginning of summer; it was the perfect summer read! Then I started reading it.. and the story never seemed to end. I feel like when I was 200 pages in, that nothing REALLY happened.. I guess that’s the point of why it’s a summer read right? It’s still summer here, weather goes up to 35 celsius (HOT!) so its not the season, but I think its about what represents summer. In summer we have all the time in the world to do ANYTHING, while now, I'm scrambling to juggle my studies, going out, sleeping, reading, and updating our blog! So very stressful, takes the joy out of a summer read.
Now let’s get down to the actual reviewing.  
While this book was long, I did find it entertaining, atleast in some stories (with a book this long there had to be more side stories). It is told from almost 3 people’s POVs, Summer, Marquez, and Diana. At first I found summer naïve, Marquez great, and Diana just plain old depressing. But as the story progressed and Summer started falling for every guy alive (really?) and Marquez with her ex-boyfriend trouble (again enjoyable), and Diana finally getting out of her funk and standing up for herself (you go girl!) I started looking forward to Diana’s chapters the most. I truly admired her resilience to finally stand up for herself, no matter how big and rich the opponent is.

Summer honestly dragged the story, its first deciding who she loves out of all these guys, then keeping him at an arm’s length because she’s afraid of getting hurt (summer fling and all), then it’s about her family issue (I don’t want to post spoilers). I just feel like her story dragged a bit.

All in all, I think I read this book at the wrong time so my review might have been different if say, I read it during my summer break, but I’m glad I finally got to read it and get it out of my system, no more pining!. The next book in this series is “Tan Lines”. I probably wouldn’t buy it, but if I could borrow it or find it online for a cheap price I might get it and save it for next summer. We always want those summer books at some point.


October 22, 2011

In My Mailbox (2)


In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. In this post you just show all the books you have either bought, borrowed, won, or was gifted for this week.

Here is what we got this week!



We went to Borders near our house (yes its still open), they had a mini sale which basically means that books aren't bloody expensive and are 10 to 15 dollars for paperback (trust me that's very good here).


Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins
The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Rosebush by Michele Jaffe



Have heard so many good reviews about Hex Hall and Demon Glass so we thought we should pick them up! We also LOVED the cover of The Dark Divine and the synopsis is even better! same for Rosebush!, Lastly, Heard some blogger really loved The Demon Covenant and we have similar taste so we got it =)





What did you get in your mailbox this week? 



On My Wishlist (2)


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. This is where you write books you’ve been dreaming of owning but haven’t bought yet. 


Farah's Wishlist


Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings.


The reason why Wither in on my wishlist, because first of all, i just ADORE the cover! It is so pretty! And the synopsis is just so interesting i want to get my hands on it now!

Juhina's Wishlist 

On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites;like fire and ice;Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.



1. The title is ROCKING!
2. how awesome are the names Skye, Asher, and Devin?
3. Love triangle where you can't decideon the guy?

MUST HAVE!



Review: Anna & The French Kiss By Stephanie Perkins - Farah


Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary Romance)
Source: HardCover
My Rating★★★★★*

Synopsis (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 Review: 

I dont even know how to start, or what to say. One thing for sure is that, this book is PERFECT. I LOVED IT! I LOOOOVED IT! AND I LOOOOOVVEEEEE IT!!!! *sqeaal*
I have read MANY reviews for this book, and many people told me that they loved it, but i just never got the nerves to start it. I was scared that once i start reading it, it might be a disappointment, you know? When people keep telling you something is amazing amazing amazing. You have high expectations for it, so i was scared it wont  live up to my expectation. BUT DAMN IT DID! It blew me away. I was never disappointed, and now i understand why EVERYBODY is squealing about this lovely book. 
Lets talk about the characters now. Anna is the protagonist, and i loved her. She felt like she was a real person to me. When i would read, i can feel her emotions, and everything she does feels just so real and believable. I can actually relate to everything she does. I can actually understand her. 
St.Clair/Etienne, oh Gosh lovely lovely St.Clair. *sigh* He's so perfect.... *sigh* .. i love his hair *sigh* okay okay enough of me drooling over him, but he is truly a perfect character. I loved him. I loved his hair, his smile, his accent, oh GOD his accent ! Who wouldnt love his accent? Now St.Clair was described so good that i can imagine EVERYTHING about him, and now, i feel like he's a memory of a guy i met ;) haha oh how i wish i actually met him.
His relationship with Anna felt so real. It was not perfect, but thats just how life is eh? It NOT perfect, and thats what makes it so real, special, and believable. It was lovely, and i loved every bit of this book. Really, a HUGE thumbs up to our dear Stephanie.

Happy Reading <3



October 21, 2011

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver - Juhina


Title: Delirium (#1 Delirium)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release date: February 1st, 2011
Source: ebook
My Rating★★★★★

Synopsis (goodreads):
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.


I started reading Delirium because of the TBR intervention weekly Meme and I'm GLAD I picked this book. This book got me hooked from page one. I LOVED the protagonist, though at the beginning she was a bit too goody goody and followed all the rules, but as soon as she met Alex, everything changed. Alex was the one who opened up a switch to her brain, he made her see what life really is about, he showed her how to think of herself, he guided her, ever so gently, to the truth, even if it might hurt him. I loved Alex from the first time he was introduced. He winked! You know I'm always a victim of winks.

Hana was a character that I cautiously liked. At the beginning because she seemed to always have a mind of her own, speak out about things that are even forbidden to think about, and I felt like Hana would cause the problems. I was afraid of their friendship dissolving but in a way you can say that Alex saved that from happening. Towards the end I felt like Hana would be a hindrance to their plans. So you can see why I was very cautious about Hana, but in the end, she was a character you can’t but love. Another Character that I loved and wish that maybe a spinoff would end up being created for is Grace. She’s six years old and a resistor at heart! Lena loved her so much, and so did I.

The romance between Alex and Lena did not feel rushed, I usually have that problem with books, when the characters suddenly fall madly in love and I'm left thinking “When did THAT happen?” so I liked the pace of their romance, I loved how Alex took care of her, didn’t push her, let her think for HERSELF, even though most of the time she was lost and confused, and I loved how no matter what in the end he would do anything for her. That is so heartbreakingly beautiful. Yes I’ve been infected, I have contracted deliria *gasp*, bring out the shackles and watchdogs and put me in Ward 6 now! (Joke you’ll get once you read the book).
People said the ending would be jaw dropping, and that’s exactly what happened. I was shocked, immobile, mentally counting the days till pandemonium is out. The book is phenomenal; a book I would recommend for anyone, romance, dystopian, contemporary lovers, it has a bit of everything really.  

October 19, 2011

Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater - Juhina

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3)
Title: Forever (#3 Wolves of Mercy Falls)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. 
Release date: July 12, 2011
Source: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis (goodreads):
In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. InLinger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

My Review:

Forever was such an amazing book. I honestly didn’t expect it to be this good because I was disappointed in linger, even though I loved shiver. Funny thing is that at the beginning I hated how the trilogy is told from many people’s points of view. Cole, Isabel, Sam, Grace. All I cared about was Sam and Grace which is why I wasn’t happy with linger; but this book? I LOVED Cole and Isabel. They actually had back stories, and I just fell in love with Cole. How a rock star is scientist smart and tries to find a cure from werewolf-ism. I found the whole experimenting parts so interesting! I'm such a science nerd  so this was pretty awesome for me.

The characters here are more dynamic, more deep and 4 dimensional. They each had a meaningful story, a hidden secret, fear, longing, that made them more real and humane. That is why I truly enjoyed forever. Also, the connection and love between Grace and Sam can’t go unmentioned. Their love is so strong and pure; it’s hard to imagine such an unconditional love. I wished there was more into Grace’s story towards the end. There were many untied loose ends and also the ending is open ended. This might have annoyed me, I usually want closure!, but I feel it is very fitting for this book. Ending the book in a ‘happily ever after’ or ending it with a tragedy would just seem rushed and unsatisfactory, so I'm happy with the ending.

The wolves of Mercy Fall trilogy is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy paranormal books with a hint of romance! I’m sad this is the end of this trilogy but I’m also excited Maggie Stiefvater’s new book “The Scorpio Race” is out very soon! The synopsis is just crazy awesome, I can’t wait to read it! 

October 18, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday: To Judge or Not to Judge




Yes!! Finally a post where we can indulge on the awesomeness of book covers and their strong power to lure us into buying and reading the books! We are excited to show you our delicious covers we couldn't take our eyes off them when we first saw them!






Aren't these covers all so pretty?! Some of these are Juhina's favorite covers, and others are Farah's favorite covers. So far Farah has read Sweet Venom and loved it. (Review Here), while Juhina is currently reading Delirium and its making her deliria over the book! ;)


We've always been huge fans of book covers and that is what usually attracts us in a book! these books are definitely awesome books and we're hoping the stories of these books would be as kick butt as their covers!









How about you guys? any of these covers make you go gaga over the books? or makes you wanna snatch up the book and pet it because of how much you love it? let us know!!





October 16, 2011

Review: "New Moon" by Stephenie Meyer - Farah



Title: New Moon

Author: Stephenie Meyer
My rating: ★★★★★


Synopsis (via goodread)

Shoot, I muttered when the paper sliced my finger; I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut.It all happened very quickly then.Edward threw himself at me, flinging me back across the table...I tumbled down to the floor by the piano, with my arms thrown out instinctively to catch my fall, into the jagged shards of glass. I felt the searing, stinging pain that ran from my wrist to the crease inside my elbow. Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of my arm-into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires.Legions of readers entranced by Twilight are hungry for more and they won't be disappointed. 


In New Moon, Stephenie Meyer delivers another irresistible combination of romance and suspense with a supernatural twist. The "star-crossed" lovers theme continues as Bella and Edward find themselves facing new obstacles, including a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of dangerous wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a terrifying threat of revenge from a female vampire and a deliciously sinister encounter with Italy's reigning royal family of vampires, the Volturi. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.



My Review:


This is the second book of the Twilight Saga, and honestly, i loved it more than the first book. New Moon took alot of time from me to finish. I just would stop it, read another book, then read some of it, then stop it again, then read another book, and so on. But now, i read over 300 pages in 2 days. I LOVED it. I loved it at the beginning too, it was just that i felt lazy to continue reading it. 
If you havent read the first book, i advise you not to continue reading, in case i might spoil anything for you. 
What i loved about this book, is how Jacob had a HUGE part. Im Team Jacob, and i just love Jacob, and i was so excited throughout the book because all of the time i was reading about him and Bella. It was different than the first book because this time, it wasnt all about the Vampires. It was more about the (SPOILER) were-wolves. Which i LOVED. Gaah i imagine them to be so hot in my head.  
What kind of bored me out, was how loooong it took for Edward to show up. I mean, everybody obviously knew he was going to come back, but it took soo long. So it kind of pissed me off when i read how depressed Bella was over and over again. 
After Edward does show up, maaan it was ADDICTING! The book was sooo exciting and i just couldnt put it down. So i rated this book a 5 because, i really did truly love it. Overall, it was an amazing book, and if u havent read or started the Twilight Saga, you should ;)
Happy Reading <3

October 15, 2011

TBR Intervention Challenge (1)


Welcome to the kick-off of the TBR Intervention Challenge!
hosted by
The goal of this challenge is to help each other (fellow readers and bloggers) manage our enormous and constantly growing TBR (To-Be-Read) List. The rules are simple and everyone is encouraged to participate. It does not force you to commit to more than what you can manage to read in a week or so, but participants are encouraged to read at least one book within a week. You are free to choose the book you want to read and commit to this challenge. You may post your entry every Saturday, at the frequency of your choice--EVERY WEEK or EVERY TWO WEEKS. However, we will sponsor this event regularly every Saturday. 

Here are the rules:

1. Post the book(s) you committed to read in your last TBR Intervention post and tell us something about it. Did you finish it? Did you enjoy it or not? Post the link to your review (if you have one). 

2. Post a book that you want to read and already own. Pick something that has been sitting on your shelf for too long now (6 months or longer). Commit to read the book in the next couple of days or week.

3. Grab the TBR Intervention Button and post it on your blog sidebar so you will be constantly reminded of the challenge, making it easier for you to commit. This will also encourage other readers/bloggers/visitors to join the challenge.

4. Add the link to your post in the Linky below and make sure to visit the other blogs. Comment, encourage, and spread the love to our fellow readers. 



Farah's book choice


Anna and the French Kiss
By Stephanie Perkins

Synopsis: (via 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?



I have been wanting to read this book, since, EVER! But i just never got the chance to read it. I have no idea why. My sister, juhina, fell in LOVE with it. Even though i have heard amazing reviews about it, id always say id read it "later", but ENOUGH. I WILL READ THIS BOOK NOW! Ahahaha as you can see from our last IMM, we have the book in our shelf, so ill get my hands on it :D

So tell me what are YOUR thoughts about Anna and The French Kiss? Have YOU read it yet, and if so, did you love it?








Juhina's book choice



Delirium
By Lauren Oliver

Synopsis: (via goodreads)

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.



This book has been getting phenomenal reviews and the synopsis IS intriguing but for some reason it has been pushed and books were chosen to be read over it. I honestly have to say the paperback cover is what made me shun away from reading it (A huge percentage of my readings are based on book covers). Anyways enough is enough and this book will be read right after I finish reading the book i am currently reading. 


I've heard the ending is shocking and its jaw dropping so im excited for that! I needed this extra push to make me read this book, im sure i won't be disappointed!