Instructions for a Second-hand Heart, Book Review

Instructions for a Second-hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray

Rating: 2.5/5 

Goodreads Summary:

Jonny knows better than anyone that life is full of cruel ironies. He's spent every day in a hospital hooked up to machines to keep his heart ticking. Then when a donor match is found for Jonny's heart, that turns out to be the cruellest irony of all. Because for Jonny's life to finally start, someone else's had to end. 
That someone turns out to be Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo was alive, all Neve wanted was for him (and all his glorious, overshadowing perfection) to leave. Now that Leo's actually gone forever, Neve has no idea how to move forward. Then Jonny walks into her life looking for answers, her brother's heart beating in his chest, and everything starts to change. 

Together, Neve and Jonny will have to face the future, no matter how frightening it is, while also learning to heal their hearts, no matter how much it hurts.

*Just wanted to say thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for providing me an ARC of this book*

*Spoiler near the end*

Thoughts and Opinions:

          When I got the list of books to choose from I was intrigued by the synopsis and even though I kinda knew what was going to happen at the end, I still wanted to read it anyways. My overall thoughts was that it was okay, but it had its frustrating moments. 

          I love books that have independent and strong characters, and the MCs in the book did have their good moments, but I got so annoyed and I couldn't just get past it that I think it became the reason I didn't enjoy the book as much. 

         Jonny has been sick his whole life and the only way for him to get out of the hospital was if he were to get a heart transplant, but a heart transplant means that someone else's life ended. Enter Neve, Leo's twin sister who becomes Jonny's organ donor (you can probably already see how the rest of the book will go). Jonny was an interesting character, he liked comics and drawing, but once he got his heart transplant, I think his fascination (or curiosity) about who the heart came from was a bit over the top. I am a curious person in nature, and I would want to know who it came from as well, but personally, I don't think that I would go as far as acting like the guy who it came from. Yes I understood that he was just trying to find himself after expecting that he wouldn't live long enough, but I think something was lacking in the writing and what the book was trying to convey. What I really liked about the book though were the comic drawings by Jonny, they were fun for me because it helped visualise what Jonny liked and his drawing style/technique. I thought it was a good way of showing a little insight on who the real Jonny is and not  who he was trying to become. As for Neve, she's an angsty teen, she got used to being in the background of her golden-boy twin, and I could see how that will turn someone bitter. But, I never really understood why the need for those pills, I feel like there were unresolved problems that the book didn't expound on. The MCs did go through a character development, but I felt like it wasn't enough, and that it was a bit rushed especially since it happened so close to the end of the book and the events leading up to it weren't really connected.     *Spoiler* I also did not understand Emily's death, it felt forced and I think there could've been a better ending for Emily. *Spoiler*
          I liked the idea and the trope, but this book wasn't really my cup of tea. A lot of people seem to like it, so I recommend this for people who like teenage romance, and I guess in a way, characters who try to find their identity. 

Denton Little's Death Date Book Review

Denton Little's Death Date by Lance Rubin

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads Summary:

Denton Little’s Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day on which they will die. For Denton, that’s in just two days—the day of his senior prom.

Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle—as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend’s hostile sister. (Though he’s not totally sure—see, first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton’s long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters. . . . Suddenly Denton’s life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.

Thoughts and Opinions:

         Basically, the book is set in the near future where scientists have figured out when most people would die, through genetics and other science-y ways. Denton, the MC, has his death day in less than 48 hours, and so the adventure begins (or ends.. depending how you look at it).

         Right off the bat, this wasn't how I expected the book to be because this book is Weird with capital W. I thought it would be reflective and philosophical for some reasons. I mean yes, there were times where the MC would actually think about life and death, if he's ready for it, but most of the times it's usually the MC and his friends in a crazy situation. I don't think most of us actually think about death and how when or how it's going to be happen, but in Denton's world, they know when they're going to die from the moment they were born. There were moments in the book when the MC is quite serious and it got the wheels on my head working because as a Christian, I sometimes wonder if I'm living in light of the Gospel, or not and this book appealed to me I guess because of that. Questions like: am I living like it's my last day? Being kind to others, reading my Bible, and all other kind of thoughts on how I should act.

         On the other hand, the book was crazy and four things were happening at the same time that I didn't even really focus on those thoughts as much. Denton Little and this whole book was awkward. There were moments when I couldn't go through because cringe. However, the awkwardness of the MC worked well for the book, in my opinion. Denton is 17, relatable because I'm 17 and I don't have my life in order. Although, I'm pretty sure I make better decisions and life choices (being biased here, but I honestly don't see myself doing most of what he did in the book), but he was dorky and socially awkward. It made the book more believable and was refreshing because most books in with highschool MCs usually have events that would never actually happen in real life. But for this book, I could relate to the awkwardness.

        Things really picked up for me in the end because things got more interesting and there were so many things happening. Even though there were moments where things were kinda rushed, it felt okay because it was coming through Denton's POV and that's how he is so it would make sense that the book would take on that nature of writing as well. I enjoyed reading it because it was a light and funny book. There were times when I would laugh because I'd just be like: "same".

        It did end with a  cliff hanger though, and I wouldn't mind reading the next book to see what happens next.

Crimson Bound Book Review

Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

Rating: 2.5/5

Goodreads Summary:

When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Thoughts and Opinions

          I had high hopes for this book. I read Rosamund Hodge's Cruel Beauty, and I loved it. I enjoyed it very much and I thought I would feel the same way about this book. Sadly, I didn't. It felt like I've been reading this book for forever.

         This book is about a girl who was training to become a woodwife, a person who has been trained to make charms and protect the village from woodspawns, and forestborns. Woodspawns are animals that have become beasts in a way, and forestborns are creatures who come from the Devourer. Forestborns mark humans to become forestborns too. Once the humans are marked, they have 3 days to choose whether they kill someone in order to live and become bloodbounds, or not kill and die after 3 days. Bloodbounds are like fledglings. They still have their human personalities, but once they give in, they become forestborns. And that's what happens to the MC. She gets marked by a forestborn and she turns into a bloodbound, then the rest of the story happens. 

         I love retellings, the way the characters came from different tales and they have their own spins to it. This was a retelling of Red Riding Hood. Although half of the time, I didn't really see the Red Riding Hood part, there were times where there were similarities and parallels. There's a cottage in the woods, a path, and the forest-theme. 
         I'm not really sure what I feel about the book. There were good times and frustrating parts, but the concept itself is unique and different. I liked how there was action, the plot, and the consistency of the forest-theme. Other than that, reading the words "woodspawn, forestborn, bloodbound, The Devourer, the Forest" over and over again kind of got tiring. I get the importance of repetition to prove a point, but it was one too many. I have a love-hate feeling towards love triangle and this book is one of the reasons why. There's 2 guys and 1 girl, who does she end up with? She works well with both and it was frustrating cause she would have this connection with Armand, and then the next she feels some sort of feelings with Erec. It was just too much and even though it explains it at the end, it was frustrating for me having to go through it. I understand how it helps add more to the book and intrigue the readers, but it ended up ruining the character for me because I got annoyed. It was also hard to understand what the characters were trying to say or what they're trying to get at. It got confusing and I just wished the author got to the point without other hidden messages. 

         It's been a while since I got annoyed with the MCs in the book, but I did. Rachelle had so many mixed feelings I just wanted her to make up her mind. And Armand, what do you want? Just say it out loud already. Erec, even though he was sort of the antagonist, I liked him more than I Rachelle and Armand combined. 

         Overall, the writing style was good and so was the trope, but there were a lot of things I didn't particularly like. I would still recommend it for people who like retellings as well, but it just wasn't for me.

Frostblood Book Review

Frostblood by Ellie Blake

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads Summary:

The frost king will burn.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating—yet irresistible—Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her—and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Before I continue writing this review, I want to apologize to HBG Canada because they sent me an ARC of this a while back and I haven't gotten around to writing a review until now, I am thankful for the copy, but very sorry I've been a terrible reviewer. I'll do better.

Thoughts and Opinions:
         Basically, this book is about a girl, Ruby who is a Fireblood, a person with the ability to control fire and produce fire. They are being hunted by the King's men who is a Frostblood, someone who controls ice. She gets captured, but then gets saved by people who she eventually gets used to and that's when things start to develop. 

         I liked the fantasy part of the book; magic and the power. But the other parts?.. It was kinda similar to most YA book plots. It was a bit predictable for me, but I did enjoy it nonetheless. I liked the both the MC's banters and comments to each other, it was pretty much the highlight of the book. I hoped there were more interactions between the characters and that they had more character into it (ha, pun intended). It took me a while to kind of get excited, but when it did, it was brief.
         I liked the arena part, it was the part in the book where things got interesting because there were a lot of things happening and action.
         Back to the topic of the fantasy part, the myths and the stories of where the Frostbloods and the Firebloods' magic came from appealed to me. Personally, I like reading tales from a backstory within books, it makes it much more interesting and the insight of how things started makes it easier to form an image and how the characters in the book got to where they were now; how things became that way and how their lives and culture changed because of that tale/myth they've been told growing up. For the most part, I genuinely did enjoy and didn't mind reading it. There were moments when it got to me, especially with this one event that happened and I may have shed a tear, but other than that, it wasn't enough to push me over the edge. It was consistent and easy to read, but it just didn't do much. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.
          Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who's into fantasy and the characters have unique powers and they save the world. 

Wintersong Book Review

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Rating: 3.5/5

Goodreads Summary:

Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

Thoughts and Opinions:

          I didn't really know much going into this book, I just saw it and got it because I've seen a lot about it online. Then I started reading and goblins were the last thing I expected. The book kinda have this Spiderwick Chronicles feel to it with the goblin characters (it's probably just a me thing since I liked the Spiderwick Chronicles and any goblin related things just makes me think of the movie), Hades mythology (in a way) and The Book Thief (the character's name is Leisl and it's also set in Germany) vibe to it. And if you happen to like one of them, then you probably will like this book too. I was a bit surprised when I first started reading because it mentioned goblins and I had no idea what I signed up for, but I liked it. I liked the concept of it especially the music theme. Personally, I'm not good at music or know the keys and all the fun stuff, but I love listening to music so it was also cool because it felt like I learned something about it.
         I liked the romance between Liesl and Der Erlkonig (Goblin King). The chemistry between them was just too much. There were times when I just wanted them to stop thinking and start getting together, and boy, when they finally did it was soooo good. I loved it. There were also aspects in the book like the other minor characters who were interesting. I think I fell in love with the Goblin King though because he was a gentle man and Liesl didn't get annoying like some main characters usually become in some books.
         What I didn't like though, is that it kind of dragged on a bit half way through the book, and it kind of reminded me of Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. It almost had the same idea, but not. Overall though, I enjoyed it and I would probably read the next book cause I'm curious about what's going to happen between Liesl and Der Erlkonig.

Soo... I have a lot of catching up to do...

          It's been a year or so since I wrote a post. To be quite honest it's because I just didn't have the time to take photos on Instagram and well I just lost the motivation altogether. It's a crappy excuse but, what can ya do. I've been reading though, don't get me wrong, but I just haven't been writing my reviews. I'm not sure if I will be posting photos on Instagram or not, but if I am, I probably will be posting at least once or twice a week. I'm not even entirely sure if anyone ever even sees my blog post, but I've missed having people to talk to about books I've read and enjoyed, so I'm going to give this a go. I know there's a lot more people with better ideas than me, but I enjoy doing this and it's a learning process, so we'll see how this goes.

Much love,
Lyndyl

March Wrap-Up

Books I've read this month of March

1. Hearts Series by Claire Contreras

Kaleidoscope Hearts

He was my older brother's best friend. He was never supposed to be mine. I thought we would get it out of our system and move on. 
One of us did. One of us left. 
Now he’s back, looking at me like he wants to devour me. And all those feelings I’d turned into anger are brewing into something else, something that terrifies me. He broke my heart last time. This time he'll obliterate it.

Paper Hearts

I lost her. No, I didn't lose her.
I threw her away. 
She was my best friend. 
I was never supposed to fall in love with her.
I was careless.
She was heartbroken.
I thought I was doing fine.
But here she is, years later, forced to work with me, reminding me why I fell in love with her in the first place. 
And this time I'm going to do everything in my power to never let her go.

2. The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick
The Boy Most Likely To
Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To:
- find the liquor cabinet blindfolded
- need a liver transplant
- drive his car into a house
Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To:
- well, not date her little brother’s baggage
-burdened best friend, for starters.
For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard. 
Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.
And Alice is caught in the middle. 


3. Bad Judgement by Meghan March
Bad Judgment
He’s arrogant.
She’s self-righteous.
I hate him.
I want her. 
I’ve been turning him down for two years straight.
Every shut-down makes me work harder.
I’m not a one-night stand kind of girl.
She doesn’t realize I won’t settle for only one night.
He’s a distraction I don’t need. 
She’ll say yes eventually because I’m not giving up.








4. Swear on this Life by Renee Carlino
Swear on this Life 
When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J.Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn’t thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.
Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.
That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.
The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?

5. Royally Matched by Emma Chase
Royally Matched
Some men are born responsible, some men have responsibility thrust upon them. Henry John Edgar Thomas Pembrook, Prince of Wessco, just got the motherlode of all responsibility dumped in his regal lap.
He’s not handling it well.Hoping to help her grandson to rise to the occasion, Queen Lenora agrees to give him "space"—but while the Queen’s away, the Prince will play. After a chance meeting with an American television producer, Henry finally makes a decision all on his own:Welcome to Matched: Royal Edition. A reality TV dating game show featuring twenty of the world's most beautiful blue bloods gathered in the same castle. Only one will win the diamond tiara, only one will capture the handsome prince’s heart.While Henry revels in the sexy, raunchy antics of the contestants as they fight, literally, for his affection, it’s the quiet, bespectacled girl in the corner—with the voice of an angel and a body that would tempt a saint—who catches his eye.The more Henry gets to know Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum, the more enamored he becomes of her simple beauty, her strength, her kind spirit... and her naughty sense of humor.But Rome wasn’t built in a day—and irresponsible royals aren’t reformed overnight. As he endeavors to right his wrongs, old words take on whole new meanings for the dashing Prince. Words like, Duty, Honor and most of all—Love.


6. The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan
The Room Mate
The last time I saw my best friend’s younger brother, he was a geek wearing braces. But when Cannon shows up to crash in my spare room, I get a swift reality check. 
Now twenty-four, he’s broad shouldered and masculine, and so sinfully sexy, I want to climb him like the jungle gyms we used to enjoy. At six-foot-something with lean muscles hiding under his T-shirt, a deep sexy voice, and full lips that pull into a smirk when he studies me, he’s pure temptation. 
Fresh out of a messy breakup, he doesn’t want any entanglements. But I can resist, right? 
I’m holding strong until the third night of our new arrangement when we get drunk and he confesses his biggest secret of all: he’s cursed when it comes to sex. Apparently he’s a god in bed, and women instantly fall in love with him. 
I’m calling bullshit. In fact, I’m going to prove him wrong, and if I rack up a few much-needed orgasms in the process, all the better. 
There’s no way I’m going to fall in love with Cannon. But once we start... I realize betting against him may have been the biggest mistake of my life.

A List Of Cages Book Review

A List of Cages, by Robin Roe

Rate: 5/5

Goodreads Summary:

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an

 aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he’s got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which

 isn’t easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can’t complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian—the foster brother he hasn’t seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. 

He’s still kindhearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids.

 But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what’s really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives…

Thoughts and Opinions:
*Disclaimer: May contain trigger warnings for some people.*

          This book deserves all the stars in the world. It is heart breaking and a tear-jerker. This book is about two boys, Adam and Julian. Julian is a freshman and Adam is a senior, they both go to the same school. A couple years ago, Julian lost his parents at a young age and so Adam and his mom took him in. That was until Julian's uncle took him and that was the last time Adam and Julian heard from each other... That was until Adam began volunteering with the school counsellor and she tells Adam to walk a student from his class to her office, it turns out it's Julian. They begin to talk and bond like they did when they were younger, but as they spend more time together, Adam discovers something and he's not quite sure what to do with the knowledge.
           Like  I said previously, this book may have trigger warnings for some people. It does contain sensitive topics, but at the same time, it is wonderful. Julian has my heart. I couldn't help but think of him as a child, a very precious child that you want to protect from everything. This book is about child abuse and it's a pretty heavy and hard topic to talk about, but good thing it's written cause there needs to be more books about it. The book is about friendship and how important it is to just be there for someone, and listen. It's really easy to get caught up in our own worlds and we miss the signs.
          I loved everything about this book, from the plot, to the characters, to the very well written and very well thought out writing style by Robin Roe. I loved the friendship and the bond between Adam and Julian, how they took him in and they gave him the love and affection he deserves. I also love the family he made with Adam's friends and how they took him in. I couldn't stop the tears once they started and it happened quite a lot, and I gotta say, those tears are worth it.
          Bottom Line: This book is wonderful and I really hope you give it a chance because it deserves to be read. I also hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. 

A Thousand Boy Kisses Book Review

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Rate: 3.5/5

Goodreads Summary:

One kiss lasts a moment. But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime.One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break. A bond that will last forever. Or so they believe.When seventeen-year-old Rune Kristiansen returns from his native Norway to the sleepy town of Blossom Grove, Georgia, 

where he befriended Poppy Litchfield as a child, he has just one thing on his mind. Why did the girl who was one half of his soul, who promised to wait faithfully for his return, cut him off without a word of explanation?Rune's heart was broken two years ago when Poppy fell silent. When he discovers the truth, he finds that the greatest heartache is yet to come.

Thoughts and Opinions:

"Because nothing so perfect can last an eternity, can it?
Like shooting stars. We see the usual stars above us every single night. Most 
people take them for granted, even forget they are there. But if a person sees 
a shooting star, they remember that moment forever. They 
can even make a wish at its presence."  She took in a deep breath. "It shoots 
by so quickly that people savour the short time they have wit it."

          Page 794 (eBook version) at 2 am and my heart almost burst. Oh my gosh, this book. I decided to read this book without further knowledge except for the summary and I was so happy I did. The summary did the book no justice. 
          Basically, this book is told through both the MC's POV, Poppy and Rune. They are both childhood friends who met when Rune moved in next door with his family from Norway and their story begins when Poppy's mamaw (grandma) dies. Before she does, she tells Poppy to go on this great adventure, she leaves her a jar, and she tells Poppy to fill it up. It's a jar full of a thousand paper hearts, she tells Poppy she needs to write on every single pieces all the kisses that makes her heart burst. And evidently, that's what happens. Rune and Poppy have been inseparable ever since they were 8 years old, until Rune found out that his family is moving back to Norway. While Rune was away, they talked everyday until Poppy completely cuts him off, no texts, emails, phone calls, etc. Two years later, Rune comes back and he is this very angry person. That is until he finds out the reason why Poppy did what she did, and everything just fell apart. 
          Oh my gosh. So much heartbreak and beauty. Rune, oh, I felt my heart break for him so many times. There was just so much hate and anger, I didn't think it was possible. I felt it, I could feel that hatred when I was reading the book, the way the author made it tangible. I can't imagine holding on to that hate. This book made me want to hug my dad, and it's 2:43 am. Poppy, is such a beautiful character I just wanted to hug her. I want to believe that she exists, somewhere. That a Poppy exists. Even though they are fictional characters, they felt oh so real. I think every time her heart burst, mine broke.  
          I have to admit, the book was unrealistic, but it was very adorable. Rune Kristiansen, despite all that anger and hatred is actually so wonderful. All the things he did for Poppy? *swoon*. But we do have to talk about something here, his anger issues are kinda scary, there were times where I was scared for Poppy. And blaming his dad for no reason? C'mon, I don't think I can ever do that to my dad. Mr. Kristiansen is the most adorable person in this book, I mean, all that he's done even though Rune was being a complete butt. 
          Near the end, I felt like it was too long, I kinda just wanted to get it over with, but the ending did hit me like a truck. This book kinda gave of A Walk To Remember vibes. Nevertheless, it was still a good book with characters that were just .. wow, and a story line that made me cry and laugh. I still think about it and I have been listening to the play list for the book and I am in love (you should check it out).

February Wrap-Up

Books I've Read This Month of February:

1. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. 
Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, 
Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. 
Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

2. Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

Firsts

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself.

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed.

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. 

3. Books by Kasie West

By Your Side
When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.
Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

P.S. I Like You
Signed, sealed, delivered…
While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!
Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out…

4. This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

This Is Where it Ends
10:00 a.m. The principal of Opportunity High School finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m. The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03 a.m. The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05 a.m. Someone starts shooting.

Told from four different perspectives over the span of fifty-four harrowing minutes, terror reigns as one student’s calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.

5. A List of Cages by Robin Roe

A List of Cages
When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he’s got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn’t easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can’t complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian—the foster brother he hasn’t seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He’s still kindhearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what’s really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives…





6. Like A Memory by Abbi Glines
Like A Memory
One memory. 
One special summer. The one thing Bliss had lost herself in when the fear and sickness were too much, moments never to be damaged by the harsh reality that followed… until now. 
Bliss York didn’t live a normal teenage life. She didn’t go to Friday night football games, walk the halls with her friends every day, go to her prom or even walk to receive her diploma. It had all been taken from her the fall that she was fifteen years old and she was given the diagnosis no one ever wants to hear. 
She had leukemia. 
Seven years after spending a summer with a girl who he knew would always be his first love and the one who got away, Nate Finlay returns to Sea Breeze to help his fiancé open her new boutique clothing store. When the new employee walks in Nate is taken back seven years to the girl he thought he’d love forever. The one who never answered his calls or returned his text. The one who shut him out completely with not even a goodbye and broke his heart. 
They’ve each become someone different. No longer the young teens with stars in their eyes. But does that matter when your heart still says that’s the one.

7. A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
A Thousand Boy Kisses
One kiss lasts a moment. But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime.One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break. A bond that will last forever. Or so they believe.
When seventeen-year-old Rune Kristiansen returns from his native Norway to the sleepy town of Blossom Grove, Georgia, where he befriended Poppy Litchfield as a child, he has just one thing on his mind. Why did the girl who was one half of his soul, who promised to wait faithfully for his return, cut him off without a word of explanation?
Rune's heart was broken two years ago when Poppy fell silent. When he discovers the truth, he finds that the greatest heartache is yet to come.A stand-alone young adult tearjerker romance, recommended for ages fourteen and up.




8. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Strange the Dreamer
The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around— and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever.
What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?
The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? and if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?
In this sweeping and breathtaking new novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage.
Welcome to Weep.


9. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.
But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.
For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.
What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?







10. Tru Blue by Melissa Foster
Tru Blue
He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover...
There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting.
But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet. 






11. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything Everything
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.