Not Your Match (No Match for Love #2) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

This is another book by Lindzee Armstrong. This is the second of the No Match for Love series.

I've read this last year and haven't gotten to write a review. Yes, I have all of the books in this series. They're all feel-good and inspirational love stories. After reading them, you'll definitely feel like it's so good to be in love and be loved. If you're single, like me, you'll be tempted to go out and find that man of yours too.

This is the story of Andi and Ben. Andi was the girl that Luke was fake-dating in the book Miss Match. This is Andi's side of the story and how she too had found the man for her. 

There are two things that stood out for me in the story. One is the hilarious divorce that Andi handled and how the couple also fought over the custody of the dog named Maurice. It's just so amusing that the couple hated each other so much that you wonder why they even got married in the first place. The woman obviously was some bimbo who just wanted money. The other thing is how Andi and Ben's story started with dancing. I love to dance. I used to dance in grade school, high school, and even in college programs at school. The last time I danced on a stage was when I worked for a contact center which was about 10 years ago. It was like another lifetime. This story just reminded me of that. 

It's a relief to have two people after a difficult relationship and break up find each other. A person who had a similar experience and feel a deep connection for that person. Andi and Ben were dancing partners in high school and their reconnection after each other's failed relationship was just great timing. Their friendship in high school somehow built a good foundation for their current relationship. Then, as life is always full of surprises, one of those people in their past resurfaces and wants to be a part of their lives again. How will that affect their relationship then? And what good is a love story without a villain trying to ruin it, right? That element just makes it all more complete and satisfying if the couple is able to dance through it successfully. 

I give this book 4/5 pairs of dancing shoes. I loved that the story ended with Andi finally getting the job she really wants and be able to help people. A job that could really make a difference which is just what everyone wants. Her dream job. I too would want to be able to do my dream job which is to travel around the world and get paid for it. I hope too that happens in this lifetime.

Ugly sweaters are a Christmas tradition.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Not Your Match - 

Thank you again Lindzee Armstrong for the copy.

Other Books in the series:

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5)

Miss Match (No Match for Love #1)

Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4)

Strike a Match (No Match for Love#5)

93% Chance I Don't Hate You by L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn | A Book Review

I got this from Library Thing a few months back and was unable to read it right away. Finally, I have finished the book. This is a sweet romantic comedy story.  An inspirational one.

Preston Ashton Lewis III is a carefree graduating college student. He realized that his hooking up with a different girl every night has gotten old. He wants to try something permanent, probably falling in love and having a girlfriend. Drunk and tried of his lifestyle, Ashton ended up mistakenly signing up for a blind date on an app called Blinder.

Carter Redford is a junior business student and the heir to Redford Entertainment. But if it was up to her, she would be taking up art and marry the person she loves. Not the guy her parents set up for her. With her best friend's suggestion, Carter signed up for a blind date on Blinder.

By some work of fate, these two ended up matching 93% on the Blinder app and agreed to meet in a coffee shop. And the rest of the story is a load of misunderstandings and fighting for what each one wants.

The circumstances how these two formally meet is not unique in any way. A lot of couples have meet through blind dates, texts and social media. Ashton and Carter are acquainted with each but have wrong impressions. When they finally ended up on that blind date, they found each other to be opposite of what they thought. The attraction was inevitable.

Ashton is a prime example of what a typical modern guy is. One who is not so into commitments and just wants to play the field. Until he realized that there has to be more to this happy-go-lucky lifestyle. Like what they say, the right girl changes a guy into a loyal and committed one. 

Carter. At first, her character is a bit annoying because she started as someone who is just saying yes to her parents. She seemed to lack a backbone. Someone who is a bit superficial because, just like her parents, she seemed to care a lot about their name and reputation and less about what she really wants and standing up for them. Thankfully, her character grew and finally found the courage to stand up for her own beliefs and make her parents see her perspective. I was standing and clapping Carter when she finally burst out and just said her piece. That's the girl I was looking for. 

But let's not forget that the transformation of these two main characters were also due to the incessant interference of their beloved best friends--Jackson and Sofia. These two are just the epitome of the best friends in the whole world. And let's not ever forget the main man of this story--Chad **ck** Winston. When I say main man, he's a total jerk. He is the worst example of an entitled jerk. Yes, don't ever name your child Chad Winston.

One of the funny references in the story was one about Chuck Bass. I think comparing Chad Winston to Chuck Bass was not really an insult because I think Chuck Bass is way better than Chad Winston (I'm a fan of the series). But still, it was funny if you got the reference. 

I give the book 4/5 pairs of bowling shoes. This was a fun read. A good break from all the tedious and heavy drama in real life. Thank you Library Thing, L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn, for the copy. I am looking forward to the next book.

One person's perfection isn't another's perfection, and that's why striving for perfection is pointless and a waste of time.

Guess hindsight is really 20/20, huh?

- L. Taylor and Amy H. Lynn, 93% Chance I Don't Hate You - 

Unwritten Melody by Tessa Emily Hall | A Book Review

I can't exactly  remember  how I came  upon  this book.  It might  have been through the  author contacting me via the contact us link on my blog or some other way. Anyway, the short of it, this review is  long overdue.  I  was  supposed  to  post this  about  3  months,  the longest, after  I got this but unfortunately that did not happen. I read this in May. So, here is this long overdue review. 

Unwritten Melody is a story about a teenage girl who grew up with her grandparents. Her grandmother is a principal. Can you imagine how that life is? Cassie felt like she had a lot of restrictions and rules to follow. She felt like she can't be just like any other teenager- carefree. She has to be always mindful of her actions and their consequences and it doesn't help that she has to be always reminded to be not like her rebellious mom. Then, a new student transferred to their school who challenged Cassie's current situation. Will Cassie eventually turn out to be like her mom? Does the apple really not fall far from the tree?

One of the best things about this book is the close relationship between Cassie and her grandpa. It was a relationship to be envied especially for people like me who did not grow up with grandparents around. My mother's parents died when I was really young about 2 years old. I don't have any tangible memory of them. Though, my mother told me stories of how my grandmother would give me her share of the food. My father's mom died when he was young and he himself could barely remember her. I met my grandfather (father's father) when I was in grade school when he would visit us from the province. He would visit once every five years, usually because he has concerns and he wanted my father and his other sons' to help him. God rest his soul. 

Cassie's grandpa was the best granddad ever. He was the epitome of what every grandkid wants in a grandpa. He was Cassie's ally, yet he never loses his objectivity in every situation. He made Cassie see situations in a different perspective and at the same time, he made Cassie understand her grandma's motivation or reason behind every precaution and restriction. He was the peace and the string that held Cassie and her grandma's precarious relationship. Her grandpa was the constant in all the changes and challenges that she is going through. It was really heartbreaking when something happened to his granddad. It broke my heart too.

Like Cassie, we all at some point in our life, met someone who will sort of act as a catalyst or a force that will drive us to do what we have longed to do. This person, in some way, will give us the courage we need in order to do something extraordinary. Someone like James, who will push us out of our comfort zones and explore the unknown. To be reckless and carefree, even for just a moment. To be daring because we know that this person got my back and he will pick me up when I fall. Yes, I did have a James in my life too. Once upon a time.

This story explores the relationship between grandparents and grandkids. For those who were lucky enough to have their grandparents around will definitely relate to this story. Especially those who have absent parents and grew up in the care of grandparents. For those like Cassie who did not have their parents around and who thought that they would have been better off if their parents were alive, this story is for you. You may not understand the rules set by your grandparents, but know that there is a reason behind those rules. They meant well. And like Cassie's grandma, she only wanted what's best for Cassie. She just did not realize that she was going a little overboard. Her fears made her overprotective of Cassie that she somehow forgot that Cassie has to make decisions on her own and learn from her mistakes to grow.

I give this 4/5 music sheets. This is a very touching story which explores the reality of the relationship between a grandkid and grandparents with literally music in the background. It also explores the feeling of being caught between following your dream and trying not disappoint the people who mean the world to you. Why can't it be both? Why give up one or hurt the other? This story presents a very realistic dilemma that is being experienced by anyone, not just teens. Why the do's and the don'ts. Why can't I just follow my heart and you can be happy for me? This is probably the most asked question in every household. And like in the story, there are reasons. You just have to be open to hear them out. And grandparents should not underestimate the strength and capability of the youth today to understand. Some are actually wiser for their age. Sometimes, there is wisdom in youth, especially if they are allowed to make their own choices and learn from them.

Thank you again, Tessa Emily Hall for the review copy. This was an emotional story yet full of lessons and truths. I am looking forward to read more of your stories. Hopefully there are more of this. 

This made me think of my own grandparents and how I wished I had a chance to bond with them. I can barely even remember their faces except in the picture. For my father's mom, we never have any picture of her. My father's father left us with not a lot of memories. He was not really the ideal father so we did not expect too much from him but at least we know that my father forgave him for whatever he did and cared for him when he needed his son.

Hold fast to dreams. For if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly 

- James Langston Hughes -

I have two options: remain in this shell that's kept me safe from the life I could have and stay intimidated of anyone and anything that tries to break through, or I can try and force my way out.

- Tessa Emily Hall, Unwritten Melody -  

Nothing is Predictable by Adalina Mae | A Book Review

I just got a DM from the author yesterday via Instagram that I won an ebook of this same book. I joined the Author's of Instagram Summer Giveaway Hop. I thanked and told her that I already have a copy of this book from Netgalley. I suggested she gives my prize to someone else so s/he can read her book. I have read her book but have not written a review, yet. The author gave me some updates about the book and was thrilled to be in-the-know of what's going on. I am happy for the author and looking forward to finally see the plans come to fruition.

I love stories about people or characters of mixed heritage or background. Reading about other characters like those in the Middle East like the books of Khaled Hosseini (A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Mountains Echoed, etc.) is just very refreshing. It's good to hear the everyday lives of these people who are just like the rest of us. Going through each day with hardwork and wishes that tomorrow will be better. It's a far cry from the bad news we hear about civil wars and bombings. And this story is the same. Though the setting changes from Lebanon to the US and other places Zara has travelled to, it can't be denied that a large chunk of the story is centered around a character of Lebanese descent. I love to travel and I guess that's where my undying curiosity to learn about other cultures springs from. And this story just gave me a peek into the lives of people in Lebanon, especially during the most tumultuous time in their history.

As I see it, this story is tragic. At first, I can't decide if I like the main character-Zara. She just has this penchant to ignore her instincts. I mean who does that, right? The ending, she always ends up with her heart more broken each time. It's such a pity. But then, when you understand where she's coming from, your heart will bleed for her. What she has been through was terrible. And no child, should witness what her mother and her father had to go through. It was really horrible. And the only thing she knows of trying to ease her anger and hatred for her father was think of the good times, though  it was never enough to absolve him of all his faults. 

And her choices of men in her life. Wow! I admit I can't judge her but I always wonder if she ever learned from her mistakes? The only thing I could say is she should have listened to her instincts. I think it is more reliable than her brain or her heart. I think it is better to be cautious than be sorry. Always sorry, as it appears to be her luck each time. But she also learned her lessons. Only it took years for her to actually examine her choices. I actually rooted for her to still end up with her first love. Sigh.

In the end, Zara is a strong woman. Being able to decide that she can do well on her own without any man. She must learn to love herself more so she can be whole. She must come to terms with all her issues and baggage before she tackles more. I can't fault Zara for all the mistakes she made or her misplaced trust. Each person learns at her/his own pace. Some of us do well in some aspects where others are having a hard time. We each have our own strengths and our own challenges. Zara did too. The best we can do is live our lives the best way we can, on our own terms, as long as we don't hurt anyone in the process, including ourselves. 

The best part of the story is when Zara decided to travel to de-stress. I think it was the best decision she has ever made. Based on my own experience, travelling puts things into perspective. It allows for self-growth and healing that starts within. I think it's the best cure for all ailments--especially for a broken heart and a shattered spirit. Though, I was a bit dismayed that the story did not end with Zara finally finding the love that she needed, I liked that Zara resolved to delve deeper into the death of her father. I think it would make for a good sequel to this story and it would show another facet or strength of her character which I really want to see.

I give this book 4/5 tarboush hats. Zara is just like the rest of us. We know life is very unpredictable, no matter how much we painstakingly make plans and try to prepare for it. You will never know what's gonna hit you. The only thing we can do is rise up every time we fall and to remember "to be meaner than our demons" (quote from The Day You Went Away by Jennifer Millikin).

I didn't need all that heartache and trauma in my life to be the person I am today!

 If you always do what you've done, you always get what you've always gotten.

- Adalina Mae, Nothing is Predictable - 

Thank you again, Netgalley and Adalina Mae for the review copy.

The Frogg Princess: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series # 3) by Jamie Brook Thompson | A Book Review

This is the third book in the series of retellings done by Jamie Brook Thompson. This completes the box set of three fairy tale stories given a very modern twist.  

This is the story Taya. A girl from New Orleans who set out to start a new life and hopefully setup her own restaurant. She ended up in Silver Creek where a few rude people are set to ruin her dreams.

This has similarities to Disney's animated movie The Princess and the Frog. One is both female main characters are black. As with the movie, the twist lies in the male protagonists. In this story, he is Felix Frogg, a police officer of Silver Creek who has a kind heart. 

The story was okay. Between the three stories, I love the author's version of Cinderella. What I like about this one is the introduction of new characters that will be in the next installment. A very teasing preview of what's to happen next and a glimpse of the next fairy tale character that is going to be given a new breath of life in this modern day. 

I give this 3.5/5 police cars. I did enjoy this story but not as much as the very first installment. I guess, my expectations were high because the first story was just so unexpected and I was wanting for the same kind of elation for the next two. I advise, based on experience to read the stories one after the other so you will get the full on magical feeling experience. Even if the second and third book were not as surprising as the first, on my opinion, all three make a really good real life versions of the world's most beloved fairy tales. But if I were to choose, Cinderella is right up there and I just wished that the succeeding two were as just as fascinating. Hopefully, the fourth story, judging from the way the characters were introduced, would turn out to be in the same caliber as the Cinderella story--packed with amazing surprises in both its characters and unexpected modern twist. I can't wait to read it.

Never marry a man that buys a ring to turn your finger green.

- Jaime Brook Thompson, The Frogg Princess: A Real Life Fairytale - 

Thank you again, Kathy of ebooksforreview.com.

Other stories in the series:

Cinderella: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series #1)

Beauty and the Beast: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series#2)

Twisters and Textbooks (Sunset Plains Romance #2) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

I have actually read this story before. This was part of an anthology--Sweet and Sassy Antohology: Rainy Kisses by six authors. I decided to read this again because I thought the one in the anthology was a condensed version. It turned out it was a full version already and I did not miss anything in the story.

I am a bit weird. Weird in the sense that I don't want to read and watch again books and movies that I love. It happened very rarely that I would have to do a repeat. I have this notion that if I reread a story or watched a movie the second or for the nth time that it will lose its magic. The same magic that made me love it the first time around. Well, I have actually proven that it did not do so for those that I really really love. But for those that were just good enough, I don't think they will have the same attention that I paid the first time. So, as much as possible I try to not do a repeat. And if I do, it was hell of a story or a movie to merit a second or third effort from me.

In this case, I think this book merits its own review. My review for the anthology was for the whole collection and I did not cite specifics. I did not even say which story I liked most. The collection was a very good one and I gave it 4/5 stars. 

How was this book for me the second time around? It was not as delightful as the first time I read. It just meant that I was already familiar with the story and I kind-of anticipated the next scenes. This is exactly what I meant why I try to avoid re-watching and rereading. The element of surprise and giddy anticipation was taken out of the equation since I have already read the book and can still vividly remember how the whole tale goes and ends. I think it is a good thing that I can still vividly remember the details of the story, after all I read this first in October 2016. Being able to ferret out the details from my memory after over a hundred books I have read just meant that this book actually somehow made an impression on me. I admit, I have a very keen memory though it's not really foolproof.

For the mere fact, that I can close my eyes and remember the next events in the story before actually reading that chapter, was enough for me to garner this tale a 4/5 tornado funnel clouds. I did enjoy reading this book. The scene when the two former lovers (Lauren and Tanner) met again after four years was my favorite scene. It was ripe with tension and awkwardness that I can't help but feel it too. All in all, this was an easy and sweet read. Good for a summer read. Perfect while on a swing under the shade of a tree by the beach. The sound of waves a relaxing background music to this light read.

It hadn't felt like closure--it had felt like ripping bandages off wounds that were still as raw as the day Lauren created them.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Twisters and Textbooks - 

Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the copy. 

Other books by the author:

Cupcakes and Cowboys (Sunset Plains Romance #1)

No Match for Love Series

Meet Your Match (No Match for Love #0.5)

Miss Match (No Match for Love #1)

Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love #4)

Strike a Match (No Match for Love)

Unrequited Alice by Sarah Louise Smith | A Book Review

I got this book from Netgalley. Yes, the title got me curious. Aren't you? Unrequited? 

This story isn't like the adventures the more popular Alice had. This is a bit sad and you will find yourself empathizing with Alice, especially if you have had an unrequited love. Yes, this is about unrequited love. Have you had one? I think, once in our lifetime, each of us will have to go through this type of unnecessary yet unavoidable emotion. It is not unheard of nor is it a phenomenal occurrence. Every person will at least have this kind of heartache or a recipient of this unwanted or undeserved feeling.

Like Alice in Wonderland, Alice here did fall but not into a rabbit hole but fall or to be correct, fell in love with the fiance of her best friend. What is more tragic than that? There is. Here it comes. As it turned out, she fell again for another guy. This time a guy who had become her best friend yet does not want to fall in love with her. Ouch! This seemed like a hopeless case, right or is Alice the hopeless one?

In more ways than one, my heart bleeds as Alice's heart was broken, twice. I can relate to her experiences in some ways, though I have not specifically fallen in love with my best friend's boy friend. Honestly, I did fell in love with a guy who I had gotten very close to but when our friends started teasing us, he admitted that he was not ready for another relationship. Believable, because he just found out that his long-time girlfriend has found another love and she never even bothered to tell him. He told me that he will be ready in two years. I was not really hopeful and I did not wait around for two years to find out. I left and worked in another city for seven years. When I moved back, I bumped into him and it was just like the song says--"I remember the boy but I don't remember the feeling, anymore."

It is really difficult and excruciating moving on from an unrequited love. Keeping that feeling hidden alone is enough to induce a coronary, much less proclaiming it only to be rejected. That is way more than double jeopardy. More like double collateral damage. I am not sure if I would still have a heart left after that. Just like what happened to Alice. But then, just like they say, everything happens for a reason and for its own season. Timing. There is such a thing as perfect timing. There are people who come into our lives for a purpose and for a specific time. Some of them are not meant to stay. Or meant to be.

As sad as the title is, this isn't all a tear-jerker. This story will also make you hopeful and not scared to fall in love. Yes, fall in love again. Hopefully, not unrequited the next time. This is a true example that the best relationships often start with friendships. I would love to fall in love with my best friend. Sadly, no (male) one matches that designation currently or for the last ten years. Maybe, I will have to make one. After all, relationships are not all measured by the length of time you've known each other (like in the story) but by the depth and intensity of the experiences you have shared and battled through together. There is still hope, yet.

I give this book 5/5 stunning pictures of Niagara Falls. Everyone is powerless against love. It's like stopping a raging waterfall. Like the saying goes, better to have loved than to have not loved at all. Not being in a relationship doesn't mean, you won't have your heart broken. There are no guarantees, especially if you have an unrequited love. 

What I love about this book is that the author perfectly captured and described in detail the exact vulnerability and heartache anyone has to go through in an unrequited love. The pain, the what if's, the maybe's and the daydreams are all vividly rounded up that you can't help but relive the pain of your own exhausting, tormenting and harsh unrequited experience, making Alice a kindred-spirit. 

And you'll never know that being in unrequited love is a heart-breaking, soul-destroying thing.

- Sarah Louise Smith, Unrequited Alice -  

Thanks again, Netgalley for the copy. I am looking forward to reading more heartfelt stories from Miss Sarah Louise Smith.

Bad Nanny (The Bad Nanny Trilogy #1) by C.M. Stunich | A Book Review

Bad Nanny 

by C.M. Stunich 

(The Bad Nanny Trilogy #1) 

Publication date: November 22nd 2016

Genres: Comedy, New Adult, Romance

“He’s a bad boy … and a nanny.”

Holy sweet baby Jesus.

I don’t know anything about taking care of kids.

I pierce nipples, navels, and noses for a living.

I’ve never even held a baby before.  Not once.  Never changed a diaper or cleaned up a skinned knee.  Hell, I don’t even want kids.  I’m more of a drifter, a once in a lifetime lover, and then I move on.

Family?  Commitment?  Nuh uh, no way.

Tough sh*t, though, because my brother and his kids need me.  Desperately.

I never thought to wonder if I might need them, too.

That I might need her, this strange woman I met at a playground.

Brooke Overland.

She doesn’t know I’m not a professional nanny, but what am I supposed to do now?

She hired me; I took care of her sister’s kids for her; I f*cked her.

My life is so screwed-up.

Nanny - noun: a person, typically a woman, employed to care for a child in its own home. So, what do you call a guy, tattooed and pierced, who is tasked to look after six kids? Wait, he knows nothing about kids at all, except that they are little devils. This sounds like a disaster-in-the-making. A  very, very bad idea. 

Zayden and Brooke are both thrown into a situation by their siblings without a choice. Zayden, being the only person his brother can depend on, was forced to look after his two nieces and twin nephews. His brother and his wife needed to fly to South Africa because his sister-in-laws parents were in an accident. Brooke, on the other hand, is a student finishing her Masters, forced to pick up the responsibility of her drug addict sister who went off with her boyfriend. Brooke can't just leave her two nieces, so she took the responsibility of mothering them. 

Of these two, I felt sorry for Brooke. She seemed like she was dealt with a bad hand. She had to juggle school, with taking care of her nieces and finding a job. As with Zayden's case, I was more worried for the kids. For their well-being under their care-free uncle. But in the end, it all worked out. As it turned out, Zayden actually gained a lot of perspective and learned a host of things from his experiences with the little devils. Zayden, is all just roar and no bite. He is a toughie outside but is actually a softy with a heart as soft as a marshmallow and a real good guy. It took six rowdy kids and a clueless girl to make him see things in life differently and change his lifestyle. 

Ah, Zayden is such a darling. I'd take his tattoos and piercings over a clean-cut guy who only cares about himself. Zayden, even with his happy-go-lucky lifestyle, he would leave everything to rescue his brother who needed a hand. His mouth could fill a curse money jar to the brim but he has a weakness to women in distress. He calls it a white knight syndrome. He will drop everything without bashing an eyelash to help any woman in distress.  I would volunteer to experience this white knight syndrome thingy first hand. And he is a natural with kids. Who wouldn't want that in a guy?

For all the unfortunate things that happened to Brooke, meeting Zayden was the best thing. Zayden turned out to be his knight-in-a-shining-armor, literally and figuratively. He was all she needed to survive the fate that was forcibly entrusted to her. 

I really enjoyed reading this story. Zayden is a character you can't help but fall for. I would love hear more of Zayden. I give this book 3.5/5 trampolines. Like just jumping on a trampoline, the jumping will wake up all the blood vessels in your entire body. This story did just the same. This will make you feel alive whether with amusement or of being in love with Zayden. The kids are so cute also. I love Sadie, the most. She is such a sweetie. I can just imagine pinching her cheeks.

Adulting. The act of being a boring, tightwad with no personality and nothing to do but bitch.

- C. M. Stunich, The Bad Nanny - 

Thank you again, Giselle of Xpressobooktours for the copy.

Black Lilith (Black Lilith #1) by Hazel Jacobs | A Book Review

Black Lilith is a name of the band. A very popular rock band. 

This is my first time to read a story about a rock band. The behind-the-scenes, the after shows, the backstage happenings, the road tours and the groupies are all laid out open here. The details of managing a rock band and dealing with its individual members are also explained. Very well researched. This is as far as I can go to being a groupie without actually having to go beyond my comfort zone. 

The two protagonists--Mikayla and Logan, first meeting here was so awkward. Of the two, I think Mikayla was the lucky one in this encounter. She was at the right place at the right that she ended up being the new personal assistant of Black Lilith. A very coveted place to be--to be surrounded by talented and good looking rock gods of Black Lilith. If in real life, by some stroke of luck or by some loop hole in the universe and I end up becoming a personal assistant for a popular band, let's say Lifehouse. I would greedily grab the opportunity. It's not everyday and not everyone gets to work closely, 24/7 with their favorite band. I think it's one of the best jobs in the world. Yes, fan-girling here.

Obviously, from the start, Mikayla and Logan were attracted to each other but because it is a big No-No that band members fraternize with PA's, they both tried to deny their feelings for each other. But, "out of sight, out of mind." Seeing and working with each other everyday, round the clock definitely only made them drawn closer to each other even if they try to act otherwise. Feelings, the more you hide them, the worst they smell. 

I felt the tension and the awkwardness of the two forbidden lover's situation. It permeates the room even if I was just a bystander. The story is rife with strong emotions and discord between the band members. I can feel vibes right where I was sitting. It was so easy to get carried away and become part of the story. I think the cover absolutely fits the tone and atmosphere of the story. It's dark and black. This maybe a story about a rock band but this does not give out an all giddy and light feeling. Like the same feeling of lightness or flying after watching The Script concert here in Manila. This story is filled with dark and heavy emotions. I was actually astounded to realize that this was how the story made me feel. I'm saying it's a good thing.

I give the book 4.5/5 concert tickets. I like how the story ended. All issues and misunderstanding among band members have been cleared. Mikayla gets the boy and she also gets her dream job which is to be an events manager. I guess, it's just right to end this story on a lighter note. This book sets the benchmark for all stories which feature bands in them. I think I will be comparing the next stories of the same theme to this one. This one is right there at the top of the pile. Looking forward to next stories in this series. I am prepared to be shown to the inner workings  and horrors of the limelight.

Treat me like your daughter and not your punching bag. 

- Hazel Jacobs, Black Lilith -

Making Bad Choices by Rita Stradling | A Book Review

Making Bad Choices by Rita Stradling 

Publication date: January 10th 2017

Genres: New Adult, Romance

[Recommended 16 + this is a mature YA or New Adult book]

Watch the Book Trailer: Here

Culter Fuller came back into my life on the day my mother died, as if losing my mother wasn’t bad enough.

We hated each other since childhood. Well, I hated him. He had a very different story.

When I moved to my dad’s house to finish my last semester of high school, we went from bitter enemies to. . . something else. He was suddenly everywhere, occupying my space, determined to pull me into his life, filling me with thoughts I knew were wrong.

I knew that soon we would cross a line that should never be crossed.

I knew crossing that line could have very serious consequences; because Culter Fuller wasn’t just any irresistible boy, Culter Fuller was my stepbrother.

But, I was always very bad at making the right choices.

This is the story of Cassie. A girl whose family tree is a bit complicated. Oh, scratched that. Not a bit complicated but really complicated. At a young age, her usual hang out is the hospital to care for her mother who has cancer. When her mother died, she had to move from Los Angeles to Bulvin, Colorado to live with her Dad. In Bulvin, she will be living with her Dad's new wife Jen, her step-brother Josh and the other step-brother Culter--Jen's son from another man. Cassie used to have a crush on Culter but he broke her heart. 

Making Bad Choices. What kind of bad choices? Intriguing right? Exactly why I signed up to review this one. I was drawn in by the intriguing title. And the story didn't disappoint. It was full of scandals and dirty secrets. Like a can of worms just waiting to be opened. More like cans of worms.

Cassie thought that developing feelings for her step-brother was complicated enough, little did she know that her life in Bulvin is getting more complicated as she gets to know the people. The next days of her life are like accidents waiting to happen. Having to deal with the death of her mother is difficult enough, fitting into a new school and meeting new friends is also tricky. Will she survive the cold weather in Colorado and the snowstorm that is waiting to blow her life away?

This story spells complicated in capitals. I felt sorry for Cassie having to go through all these difficulties in her life and family. She thought her mom dying of cancer was the worst she had to deal with but she still have a lot learn. Her heart not only got cut into pieces but it also got pounded to pulp. But out of all the shocking revelations, she found strength and happiness in Culter and in some of the new friends she met. For the first time in a long time, she feels happy. Like she is able to breathe after holding her breath for like forever. After a long time, she feels alive. 

This book attempts to explore the relationships in combined families. The story poses a very delicate and difficult question. Is it still taboo to have feelings for your step-sibling even though you are not in anyway related? Like in this story, even if Culter's mom and Cassie's dad are married, when you really look at it, Cassie and Culter are not really related. They are both products of their parent's previous relationships. They may share a common sibling--in this story, Josh, but still, that does not make them any more related. For me, I think Cassie and Culter's feelings for each other is not wrong. Love is never wrong. Besides, the two grew up in different households. They never grew up in the same house together. Their situation may be strange but not as unusual as a guy marrying his dead wife's sister. Sister wives, right? I think the situation gets fickle when and if these two grew up in the same house. Definitely, them developing feelings for each other would be awkward and would really be an issue that would be quite delicate to navigate. I will let their parents worry about it.  I wouldn't even attempt to decipher the complexity of the implications.

I give the book 4/5 sticky notes. The Cassie and Culter's situation is definitely not the usual teenage love story we hear. I think Cassie deserves to be happy after all the heartbreak, loss and shit days she had been through. She deserves to feel like a teenager even for just a moment. She deserves to make mistakes, make bad choices and learn from them. Although, from this story, she choose to be happy. I think choosing to be happy, as long as you are not hurting anyone is always a good choice. 

The thing about shit days--I mean, the worst days of your life--is that they end.

...as I said, shit days always end, for better or for worse.

- Rita Stradling, Making Bad Choices -

Thank you, Giselle of xpressobooktoours.com, for the copy.