My Book Boyfriend #5 : Alex Sheathes

My Book Boyfriend #5 : Alex Sheathes

   1:56 PM       Elisa

---

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly blog meme hosted by Missy from The Unread Reader, it's to share fictional boys we crush, include stats, picture and quotes from the character that make us swoon. If you interest to join, visit Missy's introduction post about My Book Boyfriend





Wow, more than a month I didn't post any MBB! My blog turns very dry these days, real life has almost been taking all of me :(. Still try to catch up though ;)

For this week I pick Alex Sheathes from Delirium. Like I said before, I found myself waiting for his appearance while read through the pages and smiled widely when he did. His sacrificial moved me alot and I hope I still could see him more /:

STATS :
Alex is the 'Invalid', the Uncured who use to live at 'Wilds'. He has been disguising as a college boy who work as a part-time guard. Romantic and love 'forbidden' poetry.

Hair : golden-brown / auburn
Eye : brown / amber color
Love interest : Lena


"Alex. Nice to meet you." Alex keeps his eyes on me as he and Hana shake hands. Then he extends a hand to me. "Lena," he says thoughtfully. "I've never heard that name before."

I hesitate. Shaking hands makes me feel awkward, -

The moment we touch, a tiny electrical shock buzzes through me, and I pull away quickly.

"It's short of Magdalena," I say.

"Magdalena." Alex tips his head back, watching me from narrowed eyes. "Pretty."

Alex : "You haven't said you're sorry yet, by the way."
Lena : "For what?"
Alex : "For standing me up. You were a no-show at Back Cove that day. So? Are u going to apologize, or what?"

_________________

He laugh. "You were pretty hard to miss. You used to run around the statue and do this jumping, whooping thing."

Heat creeps up my neck and cheeks.-

"I don't..." I lick my lips, fumbling for an explanation that won't sound ridiculous. "When you run you sometimes do weird things. Because of the endorphins and stuff.it's kind of like a drug, you know? Messes with your brain."

"I liked it," he says. "You looked... You looked happy."

For a sec we just stand there in silence. Then, suddenly, Alex is back, easy and smilling again. "I left a note for you one time. In the Governor's fist, you know?"

"You left a note for me?"

"I'm pretty sure it said something stupid. Just hi, and a smiley face, and my name. But then you stopped coming." He shrugs. "It's probably still there. The note, I mean. Probably just a bit of paper pulp by now."

"Lena. I like you, okay? That's it. That's all. I like you."
_____________

I'm half delirious as I open it, but still I don't really expect it to be from him. My hands begin to shake as I read:

Lena,
I'm so sorry. Please forgive me.
Alex

______________

He looks at me then, and his face is so full of concern it makes something ache deep inside me. "Listen, Lena." He looks down amd rearranges the pile of matches he has made, placing them neatly side by side. "Maybe it's not such a good idea. If we get caught - I mean, if you got caught -" He sucks in a deep breath. "I mean, if anything happen to you, I could never forgive myself."

"'How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.'" -
"'I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach...'"-
"'I love thee to the level of every day's most quite need...'"-
He kisses each cheekbone, a delicious, skimming kiss, , barely grazing my skin "'I love thee freely...'"
"Alex," I say, a little louder. My heart beating so fast I'm afraid it will burst from my ribs.
He pulls back and gives me a small, crooked smile. "Elizabeth Barrett Browning," he says, then traces a finger over the bridge of my nose. "You don't like it?"

____________________

"And I love you too." His fingers skate the edge of my jaw, dance briefly over my lips. "You should know that. You have to know that."

Aaaaah, so sweet, Alex.
My model for Alex is Benjamin Stone. Well, Alex maybe more dark or tanner, but I can imagine Ben as him while look on those pictures.
Do you love him as I do? =D
Who's your MBB this week?

Read More

Wishlist Wednesday #14

Wishlist Wednesday #14

   9:27 AM       Elisa

---

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publication date: May 15th 2012

Summary from 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.

Firstly, I've never read any Jennifer Armentrout's books but I've heard LOTS of amazing things about her and her works from twitter and blogs. People adore her books very much, like Half Blood and this one from Lux series. I've especially eyed Obsidian since long ago (bad-hot alien boy and things, definitely catch my attention! =D), but haven't purchase it because, well, I didn't really like the first cover (although the (male) models are freakin hot!) But then someday announced that it would have a new cover, that above, and I think I have to purchase it soon! =D

What's your Wishlist Wednesday this week? Share your link, I'll stop by ^^

Read More

REVIEW : Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

REVIEW : Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

   8:58 PM       Elisa

---

Pandemonium (Delirium #2)

Author     : Lauren Oliver
Publisher  : Harper Teen
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 375 (Hardcover)

Summary from Goodreads :

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire nf fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

I'd highly suggest you to read the previous book Delirium first before read this review, because, well, it would not be fun at all peeking on what will happen next without knowing the whole first story. It's very difficult to review this book without spoiling anything from Delirium, so excuse me if I loose a bit. I try not to give much of it though =p.

Delirium left a deep impression for me with lyrical writing, slow pace, beautiful yet melancholic story and heartbreaking ending. Very. I was in a state of strong denial and friggin' exciting for the next sequel, hoped that something good would happen. I generally screened some reviews about this book though, carefully not to spoiled any important things while I got the outline of the story. After cooled myself from getting this pretty book in my hand and devoured it, I literally couldn't put it down, if I didn't have to work and sleep. Pandemonium gives us a different feeling. It has faster pace than Delirium and gives a lot of tension and surprising moments. I definitely loved it as well. It was really good, narrated beautifully as previous book in a right pace with more heart-racing action pack. I almost hoped that Pandemonium could have longer pages (kinda surprised of its fewer pages. lol) but I think it already can tell us many things in 375 pages.

I already awared that Pandemonium is alternately narrated by 2 different yet related stories, Then and Now. I could imagine it like scenes on movie, one was fading when the other adjusted and appeared, it's very unique and cool.
Then chapters happen right after the end of Delirium, after she escaped alone from Portland's wire-fence and tragedies. We see how amazing Lena is on her survival and transfomation progress. She's nearly dead but thankfully she was found by a group of Invalids who saves and shelters her. Lena experiences very difficult moments adjusting herself in The Wilds, a devastating land, because it's totally different from a place she lived at before. Living in The Wilds requires her to struggle harder, for just to get water and unpretentious foods. She, along with her new friends have to survive from extreme weathers, move from one place to another miles away with feet, famine, and the worst, attacks from government who eagers to finish all Invalids off. She also realizes that there's a danger even in their own kind. Moreover, she has to endure her grief of losing Alex, his shadows keeps haunting in her reality and dreams. Reading those was saddening me but at the same time it was really pleasing to read something real in life, that sufferings and hard moments will shape, carve someone to be stronger and more aware with surroundings. That was also happened on Lena. The old, obidient Lena is scraped, the stronger one replaces it.

While Now chapters tell us about Lena at reverse position as hers on previous novel. Now she's totally different than before, a new Lena with new identity, an 'Invalid' who disguises as a Cured. She gets a task, to infiltrate and observes DFA, Deliria-Free America. It doesn't take too long to experience the action. Lena shortly gets involved in rescuing Julian Fineman, son of DFA leader, while her own life is also at stake. She discovers one by one shocking truth in process, about The Resistence, DFA, The Scavengers, and the fact that she could fall in love again with somebody else.
Along with Lena, I also never suspected before that I would like a boy other than Alex in this series. Well, at least it's still 'liking', not 'loving'. Lena isn't instantly seeing Julian as the substituter, even at first she hated him for being a part of loveless society which brings sorrow to her kinds. But the more she knows him, about his forbidden secret that would put his life on danger and his true nature of curiosity, determination and open mind-ess; the more she falls for him, while at the moment she still keeps Alex in her mind and feels guilty because she feels like betraying Alex.

I was really happy for Lena and her new life, totally forgot about people's warning, then after I reached last 2 pages, it was like BAM!

OHMAIGOSH.

It used to be something I hoped to be happened before but after all thing happened at this novel..... SERIOUSLY?

This novel is closed with a BIG FAT shocking scene, left my jaw dropped open. Lauren Oliver is such a queen of cliffhanger, dropped another little 'kaboom!' and let us suffering. I was already dying to read Requiem (the title gives a goosebump, I feel so bad =_=) that would be released on early next year, one reason why world should not be ended this year. Man, what a painful thing, waiting is!

So guys, for all who already read Delirium and loved it, grab it now; or for Indonesian fellows, don't hesitate to pre-order it once it announced. For those who are new and never read any Lauren Oliver books, do judge a book by it's cover for this series because the story is equally pretty as the covers.
Happy reading! =D

Read More

REVIEW : Destined For An Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : Destined For An Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

   2:53 PM       Elisa

---

Destined For An early Grave (Night Huntress #4)

Author     : Jeaniene Frost
Publisher  : Indonesia - Dastan Book
    U.S - Avon
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 440

Summary from Goodreads :

Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger...

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave.

Review of previous book :$20

Halfway To The Grave

One Foot in The Grave

At The Grave's End

WARNING : if you haven't read the previous 3 titles above, DO NOT EVEN PEEK ON THIS BOOK. You will lose all thrilling, exciting, sometimes depressing story development, because Destined For An Early Grave is likely a turning point, I felt many things that happened here would stir the story, characters and relationship to 'higher' level.

With constant witty-funny-sarcasm banters, and characters sexiness, Destined For An Early Grave offers another thing different than previouses. It has less but tense action scene, less but enough, ehem, 'deliciously' steamy scenes like before and way more emotional, like more focusing on Cat-Bones relationship. They finally face something or someone that might destroy their love-bond forever. Like already tired with each other over-protective, jealousy, reckless action, and stubborness, they argue and quarell a lot here. Moreover, out of nowhere another strong vampire master, Gregor, claims Cat as his wife and eager to get her back. Bones badly reacts on this matter, becomes emotional and angrier when he considered Cat hid the fact Gregor visited her drems. While Cat doesn't remember anything about Gregor and thinks her Gregor-dream isn't a big matter, she can't just accept Bones' wrath, thinks his jealousy and over-protective acts are really absurd then fights him back.

Frustated me? Yes, who'd be happy to see or read a quarell, very bad one, moreover from a dreamy-match-by-heaven couple like Cat and Bones. But at the other side I couldn't blame both of them though, and I was glad Frost added this dramatic sequel, to give them a real moment all ordinary couple would get, to think about their meaning for each other. I always consider disputes could make a bound become stronger and that's what happen between Cat and Bones. I also liked to see no matter how angry they got, they still abruptly protect each other. At the end, it was predictable that they fully reconcile and accept each other condition. But of course, fighting-over-Cat between Bones and Gregor isn't as simple as that. There's a high price that have to be paid, which could change Cat's life forever.

At this sequel, again you'll find a lot new character and give us a moment to know better about them. The highlight one is Fabian, Cat's ghost (which somehow I saw his identity is more like a dearly pet, lol). He holds small but important role at keep our main character's lives. Bones' still charming but too emotional here, so I found myself enjoyed Spade and Vlad more. Spade has a special role on Cat and Bones' reconciliation, and he's surprisingly funny and I laughed a lot at his mocking toward Cat. And Vlad.... oh I wish I have a friend like him. Unpredictable but one of good friend who willing to protect you and you totally can rely on him. Frost definitely knows how to create swoon-worthy male character with different type =D

Aah...again, what a shocking one at nearly ending part. A sad one, it made my jaw dropped and bumped the floor *wiping* (oh no, I won't tell. You have to know it yourself). I never imagine the story would turn out 'that' way, but it doesn't reduce my awement over this sequel. This series is really astonishing, Jeaniene Frost seems never run out ideas to make one hot and kick-ass storyline. I really can't wait to get This Side of The Grave what kind of surprise she would give to us.
To you who decided to read this series, happy reading! ^^

Read More

Wishlist Wednesday #13

Wishlist Wednesday #13

   2:50 PM       Elisa

---

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.

City of Lost Soul by Cassandra Clare
Publication date: May 8th 2012

Summary from Goodreads :

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series

I believe it's not only me who already dying to read City of Lost Soul. End of CoFA was one big cliffhanger and sent horror shiver on me. Reading the summary didn't really help, more question poped up in my mind. What happen to Jace especially, Clary and the rest? What will Clary do to dealing with Sebastian who has been brought back to life?
I promise myself I won't read any teaser of this book so I won't be suffered too much. lol. I don't want days move too fast, but this book makes me hoping May would come faster.

What is your Wishlist Wednesday this week? =)

Read More

Dusty Reads #14

Dusty Reads #14

   1:34 PM       Elisa

---

Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for a long time.

MATCHED by Ally Condie

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I was interested on the cover, simply pretty and I love it. And nowadays I really captivated with Dystopia novels. But after heard mixed reviews about it I was kinda hesitate and Matched has stayed for months. I'm afraid I wouldn't enjoy it as much as I thought.

What's your Dusty Reads this week?

Read More

REVIEW : At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

   3:40 PM       Elisa

---

At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)

Author     : Jeaniene Frost
Publisher  : Indonesia - Dastan Book
                   U.S - Avon
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 424

Summary from Goodreads :

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave.

Review of previous book :

Halfway To The Grave

One Foot in The Grave

Warning : Contain a lot of spoilers from previous books. Highly suggest you to read Halfway To The Grave and One Foot In The Grave first so you'll understand more about this series.
Whew, everything developed more complicated. A lot of things happened at this book. Almost non-stop action, more gory and scary scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat with also a lot of surprising moments, either happy or sad. This installment crazily drove my emotion but still it was really captivating with its humour, witty-sarcastic dialogues and sexiness *coughBONEScough* and I couldn't put it down if I didn't need to go to work, wash, eat and sleep. LOL

One Foot In The Grave ended with something we can call 'Happily Ever After'. Cat and Bones finally got married in vampire way, they did blood bond in front of many witnesses of Vampire Master and their followers so they're claimed legal in Vampire law. But of course a term 'Happily Ever After' isn't exist in Cat and Bones' dictionary. More powerful enemies appear here to take down this couple, the main villain this time is Patra, a wicked ancient vampire master who posses a dangerous supernatural power, she can raise the death and create a dreadful zombie soldiers and also a woman in Bones and Mencheres's past. She does everything and uses everyone who desire to kill Cat and Bones, Cat's father is one of them.
At previous book it was obvious, I know, but I was really surprise how wicked her father is, viciously torturing both Cat and her mom. That's one of most scary parts in this book because well, that guy IS her father, and I could feel like want to kill him myself. Thankfully Bones took revenge first. Beside him, there are a lot of new villain names come and then die in a second I couldn't even remember their name at my reading progress because I didn't think they're necessary beside to show Patra's big influence in vampire world. The good thing is, there's also a powerful union at the good side to face the last battle with Patra's big number of undead creatures. I was really happy to read more about Mencheres and his revealing mysterious past; Spade or Charles, Bones' most loyal friend; Ian who was a main villain at previous book but now become a friend despite his resentful attitude; Dave, Juan, Cooper and Tate who finally makes a big decision which change his life forever; and a new soon-to-be-my-favorite character, a infamous Count Dracula a.k.a Vlad Tepesh and it's fun to see how irritated Bones because of him.

We see the more kick-ass and stubborn Cat here. She grows stronger and bolder after overcome many bad things. Her love story with Bones gets enough portion of steamy scenes and becomes more emotional after Cat almost lost him. It did quite affect me, how stressing it was if living without Bones. Bones was still mesmerizing with his uber sexiness and over-protective act over Cat while Cat's busy ignoring and breaking his warn just to save him back. Although I admire Tate's devotion for Cat, I had a little hope that one day Tate could start his own love story with someone new, because he deserves it. One character who also changes a lot here is Cat's mom. She becomes more 'friendly' to undead people around her and unexpectedly in love with one of them. It was so surprising for me and made me laugh out loud. Really happy for this new couple.

Talking about the surprising ending part, it was big loss and honestly it annoyed and sadden me. A lot. I even thought if it finally ended like that, why Frost made it at the first place? One star fell off because of this /: But well, I positively think it happened to make one new start for 2 persons who involve it spin-off First Drop of Crimson. Okay I spoiled it off =p
However, this novel is still an amazing one like previouses. I really enjoyed it, got a good shiver and good laugh like watching a good horror movie, and can't wait to see what would happen at the next book (and more sexy Bones). You don't want to miss it if you a fan of this series.

(P.S. : sorry for another mess like review =p)

Read More

In My Mailbox #18

In My Mailbox #18

   1:26 PM       Elisa

---

In My Mailbox is a blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.





Hellow everyone~ I hope you all have wonderful weekend!
Like I said last weeks, I did crazy book buying at Book Depository, bookstores and direct selling of certain publisher and got many awesome books! At this second round, sadly most of 'em are old but they're in top of my wishlist and I'm freakin' happy to get it! =D

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Okay, so I decided to collect Hardcover version of Infernal Devices series and will sell my translation version of Clockwork Angel soon =)

Really can't wait to read this! =D

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

This one is definitely not old. Sooooo excited to read Grave Mercy, despite of many twisted responds out there. I find myself quite enjoying historical fiction so I think I'll love this. Hope so =P. And it's thick like 500+ pages! Whoo!

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

I bought these because of blogger recommendations and both has quite good reviews. For Die For Me, I was lucky enough to get it cheaper because suddenly BD cut the price of ATOM version. What a great deal!

*INDONESIA VERSION*

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crecendo left one of big mixed feeling for me about this series, I've barely enjoyed reading it and couldn't sure if I still like Patch. I hope Silence would bring back my passion over this series =)

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

The TV series based on this series has been becoming a hit these days and I also thrilled with the creepy storyline *and because that coughBRANTDAUGHERTYcough, LOL*. Just too bad the publisher release PLL novel with its TV series cover version. I already fell in love with the original cover, vibrant-solid-color-with-barbies one /=

Radiance by Alyson Noel

I haven't done reading and buying Immortal series yet I already bought this one xD. Immortal series is a depressing one until I hold reading it for a moment but I heard the new series about Riley, her sister is quite good so yeah, I grabbed it. And very rare the publisher made such a pretty cover. LOL.

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Finally I have all books of Evernight series so I can devour it without waiting next book. Well, just Balthazar left. Again, I think my country's cover version is better than original one =p

That's all I got from previous weeks. Since BD's giving 10% off of everything, with still thinking of my wallet condition I'll do another crazy book buying soon xD
Any recommendation? Love to hear it from you!

What's in your mailbox? Feel free to put your link so I can check it back.
Enjoy your week with your awesome new books! ^^

Read More

REVIEW : My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite

REVIEW : My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite

   11:26 AM       Elisa

---

My Ridiculous, Romatic Obsessions

Author     : Becca Wilhite
Publisher  : Indonesia - Atria
                   U.S - Shadow Mountain
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 270

Summary from Goodreads :

Sarah Howard's first year at the university is everything and nothing she expected especially when a very cute boy named Ben in her Art History class starts to show interest in her.

Sarah feels like she's an average, normal, everyday girl. So, when Ben (to whom she secretly refers as Adonis because she thinks he could be a Greek god) begins to take interest in her, Sarah is in denial. For one thing, last year she was deeply crushed and humiliated by Jesse James a guy who she thought liked her.

She's determined not to get burned again. But in her heart of hearts, what she really wants is a Jane Austen kind of romance. Ridiculous, right? That kind of romance doesn t exist anymore . . . or does it? Sarah is smart and fun to be around and even pretty, despite her Medusa-like red curls. She even plays the guitar. (So does Ben!) Yes, Sarah is everything Ben has wanted. He's crazy for her, but Sarah is just not getting it. She's playing hard to get, and if she s not careful, she s going to lose a real hot gentleman -- her 21st-century Mr. Darcy.

This novel was a refreshment after loads of paranormal and dystopia novels I've read. I really enjoyed reading this; fast-reading, heartwarming and sweet like candies =9. The story has a plain and cliche plot, but it's incridibly real and I instantly related to the main character condition very well.

I was very moved with the story and the characters. I could imagine if I stand there as Sarah, our main character here. She has very low self esteem, because her parents unconciously always remind her about how unattractive she is and a bad memory, badly being rejected by a boy she thought liking her, and the reason was her appearance. Those things make her becoming quite a loner and ridiculously obsessed with romance story and it's prince charming, while in reality she sure herself no one like her. However, although she sees negatively upon herself (reading her pitiful voices was a bit tiring and annoying, no matter how real they were), she's a sweet and smart girl, sometimes sarcastic and innocent. I quickly connected to her, knew very well how to feel what she feels and liked her true personality, not pictured as a dashing girl, but a down to earth one, with common girlish problems about insecurities. Thankfully, she also has a real good friend who always help her dealing with her situation.

When a hot guy like Ben shows interest on Sarah, she's really confuse and hesitate whether react the same or not because she's afraid this is a one side feeling. Again, I really understand that feeling, something like "I'm not good enough for him, how come he likes me. He could find someone better". It's annoying, yes, but some girls can't avoid to feel that way. Yeah, I've been getting that feeling too. But I really glad she could ease her insecurities and gain her confidence, thanks to that wonderful Ben.

Sarah and Ben relationship is a type of insta-love but after read more farther, hey, who won't fall in love with him? =D Ben is a veeeeeeeeeeeeeery sweet and kind, a very rare type for hotties these days. I was glad he's not built all round perfect but has a hidden flaw too. More amazing that he doesn't hide it to remain him look perfect and he can deal with it. I loved almost everything about him, his sincerity love toward Sarah, as he could see beneath the surface, and how he can deal with Sarah temporary insecurities and hesitancy. Such a dreamy guy!

Maybe I'm too biased, giving such a high rating for simple teenlit. But this sure delighted me, and I already want to read it all over again =D
This is a good read if you need a sweet and heartwarming teenlit story to, at least, help you gaining your confidence ;).
Happy reading!

Read More

REVIEW : One Foot in The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : One Foot in The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

   2:05 PM       Elisa

---

One Foot In The Grave (Night Huntress #2)

Author     : Jeaniene Frost
Publisher  : Indonesia - Dastan Book
    U.S - Avon
Source     $3A Bought
Pages       : 432

Summary from Goodreads :

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever... and that Bones won’t let her get away again.

Review of previous book : Halfway To The Grave

I highly suggest to read Halfway To The Grave first because this review might contain spoiler of previous book. Okay, actually Cat's last decision at previous book upset me very much. In the name of sacrificial she left Bones, thought if she did that it would protect him and would be the best for everyone. It wasn't a bad thought, but kinda selfish wasn't it? So I thought I wouldn't enjoy the sequel, ehem well, you know because being Bones-less can effect much but I'm soooo glad I was wrong.

This sequel is set 4 years after Cat separated from Bones. She keeps changing her identity and appearance for her work as special agent to make her untracable, from vampires who desire to kill her because she has been very famous as 'Red Reaper', a red-head vampire slayer; and also from Bones whom she still loves until this time. Cat might deeply broken-hearted, but she doesn't spend her time just whinning about it. She heartlessly-like continues her life, focuses more on leading many dangerous missions and I really adore her for that. Although she becomes maturer and seems cursing too much, Cat still has her dorky and sarcastic voices that made me laugh out loud. Her slaying adventures with her well-trained (and hotties;D) crew were really enjoyable, full of action and straining my nerves. I also loved to see that Cat builds her new family with Don, Tate, Juan and others. We also meet some new characters with their each charms, some are good and the villains with surprising identity are very evil here. I amazed by Frost's gory imagination, it's very creepy and seriously evil.

I was beyond happy when finally Bones coincidentally meets Cat, and dropped his platina color hair (kinda loved his natural hair color, I have to say). They reconcile and clear all problems, the reason why Cat left him which I personally thought it's reasonable if you have a hot undead and never-aging lover. Bones still amazed me with uber-sexiness and his witty-pervy comments. His adoration toward Cat was melting me away. Has I ever told I gradually begin to love possesive and dominator alpha-male? xD That's why I really love Bones. Like previous one, this sequel is also not all about steamies, just plenty of them but fiuh, they're double, triple hotter than previous till I nearly fainted, well talk about previous 4 years lived in despair without each other. For some reason, although I'm already this old it's hard for me to enjoy over-heat sex scenes that appear at mostly adult urban fantasy, sometimes they're too overwhelming could make me a bit disgusted. But Frost really done it well like she could nail the pervert part of me and simply asked "BONES, PLEASE MARRY ME!" LOL

One thing I also really enjoyed was Bones jealousy. I was like 'Bones, a god of sex with all his perfect lover qualities, ever jealous to other human guy?' and forgot about possesive side on vampire concept =p. I found Tate was very awesome too, his loyalty and unrequited love toward Cat moves me. And I think inserting him as a third person between Cat and Bones makes the relationship and story itself become more interesting.

Overall, One Foot In The Grave is still a sexy read with witty writing skill, fast pace action, thrilling love story and hot characters. I can say this has very satisfying ending and made me wanting to know more what would happen next. If you like Adult Urban Fantasy especially hot Vampires, quickly grab the first book. You'll be addicted ;D

Read More

Dusty Reads #13

Dusty Reads #13

   1:25 PM       Elisa

---

Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for a long time.

Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Summary from Goodreads :

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

I've had this for quite a long time, at last year, and still remain unread til now. Maybe because I've been distracted to other titles =p.
Someone can convince me to read this soon?
What is your Dusty Reads this week? Feel free to share so I can check it back =)

Read More

Wishlist Wednesday #12

Wishlist Wednesday #12

   9:57 AM       Elisa

---

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.





Wow, I didn't do Wishlist Wednesday like weeks =p. So here I am back with this week's picking :

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Expected publication: April 24th 2012 by Balzer + Bray

Summary from Goodreads :

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.

I was very hooked to this book at the first I saw the cover (I really love it, it's very cool =D) and the interesting summary, then abruptly decided I had to have this book. It sounds unique, suspenseful and mysterious, about death girl that brought back to live by a boy, then they involve with something bigger and dangerous about the end of the world. WOW. Well, of course since it's YA so I won't expect too high action and tense (but if it does, it would be VERY GOOD!), still, I was so excited! I ridiculously has a high expectation that this novel would sate my love to suspense and I hope I won't be disappointed.

So what's your Wishlist Wednesday this week?
Feel free to leave your link so I can chech yours too! =D

Read More