Book Review: Everyday - David Levithan

“I am a drifter, and as lonely as that can be, it is also remarkably freeing. I will never define myself in terms of anyone else. I will never feel the pressure of peers or the burden of parental expectation. I can view everyone as pieces of a whole, and focus on the whole, not the pieces. I have learned to observe, far better than most people observe. I am not blinded by the past or motivated by the future. I focus on the present because that is where I am destined to live.”

As I was nursing a book hangover from a really heart wrenching book, I wanted to read something different. I read somewhere that some of my favorite authors loved this book and I readily gave it a try.

I found the story unique but sad. There were times when I felt it was a bit dragging but I wanted to know what happens to the characters. They draw you in and the story was refreshing in a way. To wake up everyday in a different person widens the story's perspective but still in the same point of view of A.

Although I read some were not quite A's fan because of how he takes over and sometimes takes advantage of a person, I felt otherwise. I felt his pain. I felt his heart. He's not really an awful being and he's in no way a devil. I felt how he cares for Rhiannon. And he did something selfless in the end.

The only complaint I have is that I prefer definite endings. The story didn't end in an awful cliff hanger, but it ended in a fade to black and leaves the readers to interpret it their own way. I wanted it definite but then again how can something be definite in a situation like this story. But I would have preferred that the author blow my mind and give me an ending. In the end I was both happy and sad for Rhiannon and A.

This book is recommended if want to read something different. The story lets us take a breather from the angst we sometimes crave.

If there's anything I learned from the book it's that life is short and live each day like it is your last. Because of this book I've realized so many little things that we take for granted. Love comes in many forms, in any type, in any gender and in any size. It shouldn't be based on physical aspects. What's important is what's inside the soul and how you make your connection to each other grow and make the best of both of you.

Book Review: Light in Shadows and Warmth in Ice - A. Meredith Walters

“The choices we make in our life don't have to define us. It's what we learn from them that's important.”

“We didn’t function in half ways and maybes. We were always. We were constant.We were endless.”

This is the continuation of Maggie and Clay's story. It picks up right about a month or so after the traumatic ending of the first book.

Told in alternating views of the two main characters. I felt their pain and their struggles. Theirs is not an easy fight and many times I felt their frustration. It's always one step forward, two steps back. Until they both fully accept the inevitable, their happiness will always be short changed. I was glad that Clay realized that and did what he had to do.

What I really liked about this book is how it was written as though the characters are talking directly to the readers. I also liked how Clay can be so funny yet tormented at the same time. I also liked how Maggie is patient and resilient so many times. Their relationship wouldn't make it if it weren't for her strength and patience.

I didn't read Daniel and Rachel's story yet as I am having mixed feelings about them. There were times when I felt suffocated for Maggie. It's like they were always in her face as well as her parents. I know they mean well but sometimes they can be overwhelming and overprotective. Though eventually towards the later part of the book I began to get a glimpse of Rachel. I wanted to get to know her too. One day I just might.

I immediately started reading Clay and Maggie's Christmas story too. I liked it. It was short, frustrating yet sweet. I loved Clay's gift for Maggie. I felt it. I wanted to do something like it as well. It was so inspiring.

I liked how both books ended. Though I believe we haven't got the last from these two yet. I really think another book is coming focusing on how they managed to get through their HEA despite the long distance and the various obstacles.

This book is highly recommended to those who love tormented heroes and resilient heroines. Also recommended to those involved in long distance relationships as well as those with loved ones suffering from mental issues. Hopefully Clay’s story gives inspiration and hope to those in need.

Books coming out this February 2014!

50 Shades of Grey Movie

I saw this in one of the blogs I'm following Facebook and I got excited! I seriously can't wait for this movie. I was a bit hesitant at first on Jamie Dornan but he has grown on me. He is gorgeous and I really thinks he fits the Christian Grey character. And of course his golden torso is not to be forgotten. And also Dakota Johnson is as gorgeous as well. I've seen some shooting photos and I can see their chemistry.

Inside Out series

One of the books I have been waiting for from Lisa Renee Jones - Inside Out series.

Book Review: Violation Legal Affairs Volume 3 - Sawyer Bennett

This was another great volume of the Legal Affairs series. Although there were bouts of pain and heartache, I more or less felt somehow hopeful that maybe Matt and Mac can make it through. I really hope that one day Matt realizes that.

I am still in awe of Mac’s strength; how she doesn't let others see her pain. There was just one part where I wanted to shake her, the part about Lorraine. I found that I also liked Cal and Macy.

The ending was in a very sad circumstance, but Matt and Mac wise we are left in a hope. I’m pretty sure there will be a shake-up in the coming volumes, more questions, more doubts. I just really hope that they make it through.

Again as soon as this volume was out I snatched it as I couldn't get enough Matt and Mac. And it keeps on getting better and better!

This series is highly recommended to those who love forbidden office romance.

Book Review: Archer's Voice - Mia Sheridan

“I knew I loved her–fiercely and with every part of my heart, even the broken parts, even the parts that felt unworthy and without value.”

“I'm afraid to love you. I'm afraid that you'll leave and that I'll go back to being alone again. Only it will be a hundred times worse because I'll know what I'm missing. I want to be able to love you more than I fear losing you, and I don't know how. Teach me, Bree. Please teach me. Don't let me destroy this.”

What a beautiful heartfelt love story. This is a story about love, hope and self-fulfillment. This book is so inspiring that after reading it you feel like you want to become a better person; that you can become a better person; that you can do it and start with baby steps of bringing happiness to other people; that you can help in any you can and ease the loneliness of others.

I loved the pacing of the story. It was gradual and the readers get to see how the characters evolved into a more beautiful being, especially Archer. I loved both characters. I loved Bree and Archer. I loved them together. I loved their patience. I loved their resilience. I loved how strong they are even in pain, yet they are both sweet and funny. This is one of the few books where I loved both characters to the maximum.

My heart felt a roller coaster of emotions throughout the story. There was love, pain, hope, happiness and disappointment. But it all blended perfectly in the end and I felt Archer and Bree’s fulfillment. I loved each milestone and each heart ache.

I also felt rage and I wanted to slap and choke some of the characters in the story. Right from the start I already felt something was off with one of the characters in the story. I wanted to punch him for repeatedly taking advantage of Archer. What kind of person is that, my heart broke for Archer because people were letting him down, people were treating him differently.

This book will make us think twice of how we treat others and make us realize we don’t know what everybody else is dealing with at the moment and so we should treat everyone with compassion and kindness; that their reaction is not because of you but because of what they are dealing with at that moment, their burdens and their fears and that these little acts of kindness will go a long way in easing whatever their pain and struggles.

All throughout when I was reading, I felt a certain kind of calm and silence especially during Archer and Bree’s interactions. It was like I was there in front of them watching with my own two eyes.

I decided to read this after seeing so many good reviews, aside from the very sexy cover I might add, but more than that the blurb caught my interest. It was sad, it was poignant yet I saw hope. I consumed every line in this book and I didn’t want it end. I didn’t want to read it fast but I was so anxious with how the story will turn out.

The book is told mostly in Bree’s view but there were also views of Archer from when he was young until the present. I loved reading his thoughts. Bree was right; Archer’s voice is one of the most beautiful in the whole wide world.

I loved how the story was written, yes there was little bit of angst but it didn’t feel forced. I didn’t feel any unnecessary angst. It’s like the issues were part of the story and that it wouldn’t feel complete without it. Both characters were mature in their own way and I loved how they dealt with the issues.

This book is highly recommended. Please read it and you will not regret it. This book is perfect to read if you are feeling down. This book will give you hope and will propel you to get right back on your feet.

I haven’t read any of the books on A Sign of Love series, but I have been told that this is a standalone novel and it has nothing to do with the prior books that were released. Now I can’t wait to read the other books in this series (Leo, Leo’s Chance and Stinger) but I will probably have rest times in between to take a breather. But one thing is for sure, Mia Sheridan is now part of one of my favorite authors and I’m looking forward to more of her books.