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Enthralling Reads | 2015. Powered by Blogger.
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Abby Joy B.

On the Fence
Author: Kasie West
Date of Publication: June  , 2014
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Summary:
She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…

Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Fun, original, and endearing, On the Fence is a romantic comedy about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect.
IS THERE A BOOK OF KASIE WEST I WON'T LOVE? 
According to an extensive research, I'll read anything that Kasie West writes.

I think the best thing about this book was that the family relationship was highlighted than the romance. Sure, Charlie and Braden's struggle to be out of the #friendzoned terms was the main dilemma, but the family dynamics didn't go unnoticed. Charlie was a very relateable character in my terms. She was feisty (in a fun way), tough, kickass, athletic, but totally adorable. She can totally beat you up in a football match. But at can not say that her character is perfect enough, there were times she was insensitive. Her relationship with her brothers was precious to the nth power. It had me wishing to have older brothers (I vigorously wished that when I was young every night). Jerome, Nathan and Gage were too cool.... and nasty sometimes. Their relationship were light and fun, there was no dull moment whenever they are on the scene. It was thrilling to read such boy characters with so much wit and sassiness. Also, the father-daughter relationship stood out in the book. I found the scene where Charlie discovered his father's book on how to raise girl teenagers super sweet and endearing. 

I love Braden. A total swoon inducing and book boyfriend material. Kasie really likes his heroine to be the "gentleman" ever since Pivot Point. That's why I really like her novels because the heroes easily snagged their way into my heart and build a cozy place in there. Braden is no exception, he's sweet, gentle, sometimes bashful (and this made me love him more) and most of all he understands Charlie in and out. 

BRADEN AND CHARLIE'S RELATIONSHIP aka THE ROMANCE GOT ME LIKE
"No. I don't want this to be in our alternate reality. I want this to be in our real one." He met my lips with his. [...] "But we can do this again at the fence if you want."
The plot was predictable. It has every substance you're looking for a contemporary romance, but I didn't care anymore and it wasn't a hindrance to like the book. Actually, I read contemporary novels in a way that I neglect if the story is unique (but ofcourse it's a plus) or not, I am just rooting for the emotional transfer and how the book will bring ~all the feels~ and this book got me squealing and wailing (because of some angst).

All in all, if you want a book with brilliant family dynamics, bestfriend/childhood romance, swoon-worthy boy characters, tough&adorable heroine, cute love story, then this book is worth a read. 
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Welcome to my new feature called Like, Okay, Nope! Yes, a lame and lousy title for a lame person like me. Anyways, this is a series review. Sometimes I marathon series because WHY NOT. Marathon-ing series especially if there are already many published books save us from the agony of waiting.

The first series on the grill is Sea Breeze by Abbi Glines. The whole series revolved around a group of friends living in coastal town Sea Breeze, Alabama. I wasn't a fan of Abbi's other books, but I still found time to try this series since I was told that all the stories are quick read with predictable plots, but very compelling characters. My first thought was, "I got nothing to lose anyway." And so, I read Because of Low. I instantly jumped into the second book randomly. The rest is history..

L I K E - ★★★★
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  • Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2): Really entertaining. Gripping. It tackled a very sensitive social issue that concerns affairs in family. It was a hard subject but the writing made it lightweight. As soon as the story starts, Marcus Hardy instantly snugged all my attention. He's so charming, funny, gentleman (yes he's hot but he's more than oozing hot or yummy!). He loves his family and he was his family's strength in times of mishap. Willow is a strong heroine, I found myself liking her despite the fact that I feel that she was selfish sometimes (because of that thing with Cage). Their relationship wasn't rushed, as well as reconciliation that happened in the end. I loved that their relationship worked in progress. And man the s scene? You'll be surprise!
  • Misbehaving (Sea Breeze #4): Kudos to this book! It made me misty-eyed. That says a lot to be honest. Once a story got me engaged, I know that it won't be long for me to call it as a very very good emotional book. It sort of wrecked me because the situation of Jesse is very poignant. Although she's known for causing trouble and the kind of "make-all-boys-kneel" because of his body, she still is a very vulnerable and insecure person. Jason is rich and quite famous because of his brother, but he isn't a jerk and cold prince in the making. He's also charming, playful, naughty (in a way), genuine and thoughtful. The chemistry between them is palpable, that I admit made me really like this book. Their relationship also went to a lot of downhill and while I enjoyed those parts (I was in a mood for a dramatic one), my heart also ached for them to be just together. Both Jesse and Jason amazed me. That and the "out of my league" plot made me really like this book.

O K A Y - ★★★
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  • Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4): This book is nothing but cliche. But I still liked it and thought it was okay. Innocent meets the tainted one, huh? I was trying hard not to laugh at Amanda. She's innocent, sweet and infatuated to the bad boy, Preston. She's really desperate for his affection and eventhough he was acting like a jerk on her she still looks at him with so much adoration. Girl,you gotta love yourself first. Preston is hot, but the thing about him that made me "Awww" is he is family oriented. He does everything for his siblings's welfare. Their relationship was a constant "I want you" and "I am not good enough for you". It was tiring that I actual just want to skip through the last 60 pages to see what the big plot twist is. They deserve each other, I believe that and 'til the end, I thought that this book is still worth my time. (Warning: A number of sexual intercourse here ugh).  
  •  While it Lasts (Sea Breeze #3): Cage York, the known bad boy and player is actually that sweet and loyal. Yep. Actually the issue I have here was Eva. I think there were like 10 moments I want to grab and shake her so that she'll make up her mind. She's very confusing and sometimes I feel like she's just experimenting. Oops. Harsh. Cage isn't perfect too, he's too much of an alpha male, possessive and too sexual. I like the story though, two people mending and recovering. 
  • Bad for You (Sea Breeze #7): So you've read the title.... The guy is bad for the girl. Boom. They fell in love. End of story. I really don't have much to say except that it's very typical. Krit has personality issues that affected his relationship with Blythe. On the other hand, he was gentle with her and their relationship was fluffy! OH EM GEE. Fluffy, really? Yes.

N O P E - ★
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  • Breathe (Sea Breeze #1): I dislike this so much. I think my head throbbed so hard from all the eye-rolls I made. Of course, the issue goes to the main characters, Sadie and Jax. 
  • Hold on Tight (Sea Breeze #8): Dewayne seriously scared me. I don't know why I cared to read this, but for the sake of finishing the series (which actually doesn't end here because there'll be a 9th book, i just knew that yesterday haha). Actually, I just skimmed it because this is a predictable as duck as Breathe.
Last book is titled, Until the End. Expected release date: October 14, 2014.

Let me just rank the guys acc to my own preference:
1. Jason Stone
2. Marcus Hardy
3.5. Cage York & Preston Drake
5. Krit Corbin
6.5. Jax Stone & Dewayne Falco
Aaaaaand I am back! Sort of. Two weeks vacation to catch up with my TBR and blogging. I am going to visit a lot of blogs so you better prepare for the coming of the dark lord. Seriously, I missed blogging! Stressful first year in college just ended, I felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I am just now waiting for the final grade *anxious anxious anxious* I won't even fuss about the change in my template. I am sorry I can't help it.

Do you like to marathon series? Have you read any of the books listed? What are your thoughts about this kind of review system? Do share! 
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Serial Hottie
Author: Kelly Oram
Date of Publication: July 10, 2012
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Synopsis:
Hockey-obsessed tomboy Eleanor Westley has never been the object of a guy's affection before. So when the hottest boy she's ever seen moves in across the street and starts treating her like she's the center of his universe, naturally she's going to be a little skeptical. But everything starts to make sense when girls who look just like Ellie start dying all around the city. Obviously the new guy is the killer, and of course he only likes her because he wants to slice her into tiny pieces. Right? The more Ellie gets to know Seth the more she's convinced he's a psychopathic killer. Problem is, he's the sweetest psychopathic killer she's ever met. Not to mention he's brutally hot. No matter how hard she tries, she can't help but fall for him. Will Ellie find true love, or will her summer of firsts turn out to be a summer of lasts?

This is the first time ever that I rated a book 4 stars and actually liked it without gushing or fangirling over the guy love interest. This is not only fun and quirky, but also suspenseful and thrilling. I enjoyed reading this. Enjoyed it A LOT. At first, I was a little apprehensive since the title was kind of OFF because of the word HOTTIE on the title. But I guess there's always more than what meets the eye.

What I like the most about this book are the characters. I AM IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS. Maybe except Seth (main love interest), but he's not that bad to dislike or abhor. There was something so disturbing about his inconclusive character that I can't just brush off. He's sort of creepy, weird and a little overprotective, but he's also charming, genuine and very vulnerable. On the other hand, we have ELLIE, the certified one of the boys. She's so cool, funny, awesome, kickass, fierce, strong and snarky!! She's also a little naive in love since she spent her life playing hockey and just being a tomboy. She also punches people. And she's not scared of engaging in boy fights and trash talks. SHE'S SO COOL I SWEAR. This book makes me crave for annoying bestest-no-such-word-guy-friends. The J's: Josh, Jack, Jesse are Ellie's guy bestfriends since birth and their relationship is GOLD. I tell ya'll this kind of friendship is a must have. Angela is Ellie's sister which I am not fond of, but definitely a sister for life material. Also, Ellie's neighbors/friends are not to be missed.

The plot was very compelling, not exactly brilliant but just a good mix of comedy, romance and MYSTERY. We have MURDERS here! The mystery behind the killer was sure exciting and enough for me to finish it in almost one sitting, but the revelation came so short for my liking, BUT the good thing is that it made my mind reeling because the identity of the serial killer was unexpected....

This book made me cracked up and grinned so hard that I almost hurt my cheeks. The characters were superbly witty and realistic. Although, there were disturbing things, I still kept it at bay since in the end it all comes to one point: I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH. I recommend it to you guys especially now that it's summer in some places you might want to have a light, quirky read!
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Lovely Vicious
Author: Sara Wolf
Published Date: Nov 5, 2013
Add to Goodreads / Amazon


Synopsis:
Fire meets ice. Love meets hate. 

Seventeen-year-old Isis Blake hasn’t fallen in love in three years, nine weeks, and five days, and after what happened last time, she intends to keep it that way. Since then she’s lost eighty-five pounds, gotten four streaks of purple in her hair, and moved to the Buttcrack-of-Nowhere Ohio to help her mom escape a bad relationship. 

All the girls in her new school want one thing – Jack Hunter, the Ice Prince of East Summit High. Hot as an Armani ad, smart enough to get into Yale, and colder than the Arctic, Jack Hunter’s never gone out with anyone. Sure, people have seen him downtown with beautiful women, but he’s never given high school girls the time of day. Until Isis punches him in the face.

Jack’s met his match. Suddenly everything is a game.
The goal: Make the other beg for mercy. 
The game board: East Summit High.
The reward: Something neither of them expected.
This is the kind of story that will play with your emotions ruthlessly, make your stomach and cheeks hurt because of the laughs and will probably throw you into a frenzy of feels. A brilliant novel that tackles about the struggle of different characters but most of the time it is about Isis Blake, the main character also the voice of the book.

Let me start by saying: GO READ THIS NOW. There I said it, now, let's go to the actual thing. Reading the synopsis made me iffy for it sounds to cliche and cheesy. Really, Ice Prince? But I was shocked when I saw all the shining 4 & 5 stars review in goodreads (top reviews btw) and thought why not give a try?

I AM SO GLAD I DID. Read it in one sitting and absolutely regretted nothing. There's so many things to like about this book. First we have a very noteworthy, dimensional, sharp-witted, FUNNY protagonist who has an exceptional talent in comical blabbering. Even her one liners can make me laugh easily. But her life isn't perfect, despite the lost of weight and a chance to be away from this nameless guy who hurt her more that she could ever bare, she still feel insecure and scared and broken from her past experience. BUT SHE'S STRONG. So fucking strong, I almost cried when I was reading some scenes that I thought she'll crumble into a puddle of mess. On the other hand she talks too much and thinks too much aka blabbers too much. Sometimes I want to duck tape her mouth or thoughts because those were overwhelming, but as the story progressed I learned to go along with it - not minding it at all! She simply skyrocketed her way to my favorite YA heroine list. And this specific line here needs to be highlighted because that speaks it all.
“She was probably a trusting, naïve girl before him, like a daisy. And then he came, and pulled her petals off one by one, forcing her to surround herself with thorns to survive. But he missed one petal. And she guards it with a tiger's ferocity.” 
Now we meet Jack Hunter, Ice Prince of East Summit High. A total hottie - brooding handsome with lots of women fawning over him - but he's also the epitome of coldness and distant; ass and arrogant; but behind those facades lies a dark past. Really dark!! He's also a total nerd, and a Harvard passer! Beat that! He made me frustrated with his actions, but at the same time made me "Awwwwww" more than "Ughhh". I can't give much info about him for I might spoil some important bits about the story.

THE BANTER! This is also one of the things to look forward to in reading this book. Isis and Jack's battle of wits & insults, physical war and a whole lot crazy revenge they throw at each other totally made me guffaw. A piece of advice: DON'T DRINK OR EAT ANYTHING WHEN YOU'RE READING THEIR SCENES TOGETHER.  It's very evident that they exude a burning chemistry even if it's all hate and war. And what I love about their relationship is they never started off as INSTA-LOVE. It was slow & blossoming. I just want them to be together you know? Ughhh all the unsaid feelings!! All all all the heartaches and poignant little revelations broke my heart into a gazillion pieces.
“How did you find me? If you hacked into the Club’s computer to look up my appointments - "
“Whoa, I think you overestimate me, shitlord. Last time I checked all I did was be in the wrong place at the right time. I saw you and had to - ”
“Stalk me.”
“ - delicately approach you. In a sideways manner. From behind. Without being seen at all. For ten minutes.”
"You could do the fair maidens of the school a favor and inform them you're gay," I say.
"Didn't you read the sign?" He asks coolly without looking up, "No harpies in the library" 
"I see everyone's here!" I cheerily bounce into a seat next to him and unlace my shoes. I glance over, as if seeing him for the first time. "Alright, which one of you's been dabbling in demon summoning and hasn't told me about it?" 
There's this dark and suspenseful plot in the story. That makes everything exciting and a lot thrilling. Unraveling of secrets and putting together the pieces of a mysterious & haunting puzzle will prevent anyone to bring this book down. And let me just mention how friendship and family ties were greatly manifested by the characters.

Overall, it was really a memorable read for me. Let's just say that if you hate immature dialogues, then you might want to avoid this book, but other than that this book was well-written and enjoyable for such haunting plot.

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Foreplay (Ivy Chronicles #1)
Author: Sophie Jardan
Pages: 320
Published Date: Nov 5, 2013
Synopsis:
Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.
Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…



It is more than just foreplay I SWEAR.

This book totally surprised me. I stayed up 'til 4am just to finish this. WOW. I thought that it's another NA book with so much sex and obscenity, but man am I wrong. I admit that the title made me cynical because FOREPLAY DUDE FOREPLAY but as I read and cave in to the story I found myself utterly surprised. First there are 3 things that made me really like this.

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Breaking Nova
Author: Jessica Sorensen
Published Date: 2013
Genre: NA, contemporary, romance, dark
Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis:
Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?


Review:
(ALL THE PICTURES AREN'T MINE. CREDITS TO THE OWNERS)


Breaking Nova is a very emotional read for me. From page 1 'til the last it never failed to bring a canon of emotions from all the characters. I was iffy with the whole "i am so depressed so I need drugs to forget" theme for this novel, but later then I gave in.

The characters were flawed and painfully broken. Nova lost Landon, her boyfriend aka the love of her life, because of a suicide. On the other hand, Quinton lost Lexie, her girlfriend aka the girl she wanted to marry, through an accident in which Quinton was the one driving. They were both trapped in the past and they can't find the way back to the present and look forward for the future. Then one day they met and they felt that a piece of them came back to its senses. It didn't end there because they kept questioning their capability to love again and to be whole again. So many unfortunate events that lead their life into vain and so much pain. I can literally feel their despair, desolation and emptiness through Jessica's writing style. 

They developed a relationship with a lot of "what ifs". Their relationship was as complicated as the turmoil of emotions going through them. They find peace, but there's always a loophole for chaos and perplexity. The tension between them is flaring with raw emotions that I felt like gasping for air. They were both confused and out of love.

It is not the romantic aspect that made a big deal out of this. It is how Nova fought the numbness and emptiness to start again with a whole positive and hopeful view in life. The scene where she watched the video of Landon, that broke me into pieces. I didn't exactly cry but i felt my whole heart crying inside my ribcage. In the end, she learned to forgive and admitted:
“I'm learning that it's okay. It's okay to hurt. It's okay to cry. It's okay to admit we need help. It's okay to let go.”

Quinton still has a long way for this. He badly needs help as he drowns himself to drugs. Guilt and shame still lingers on his veins and he can't help but try everything to be dead inside and maybe outside. It is pitiful, but at the same time sympathetic The ending gave a glimpse onto how will the second book will start and continue the broken story.

At some point, I can totally relate to whatever they are feeling minus the feeling of suicidal and all.

The end was a cliff-hanger but it was written in a way the readers will understand their story is not just a stand alone book.... Indeed this book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions that tackled about how it felt to be flawed, empty, hopeless, numb, broken and how someone can change us and how we can change ourself. Life is wonderful. Don't take it for granted. Kudos Jessica Sorensen!


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Meet Abby!


I'm an engineering student who loves skincare, books, dramas and pastel pink (i just had to write that.) This where I translate my shenanigans and whatnots in life into written posts. I'll probably rave about stuff here so you've been warned! jk! (not really)

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PS: I Like You by Kasie West
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Thought: Does Kasie West ever go wrong? I'm escalated that my first read for 2017 was a squee-filled one. This was utterly adorable. The main character, Lily, is a very witty person. It wasn't hard to love her and her family.
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