Nikki reviews: UNLIT STAR by Lindy Zart

Title: UNLIT STAR
Author: LINDY ZART


We are not guaranteed anything, not even this life.

Rivers Young is the popular guy untouchable by reality. He is like a star—bright, consuming, otherworldly. The thing about stars, though, is that they eventually fall, and he is no different.

He falls far and he falls hard.

Delilah Bana is the outcast enshrouded in all of life's ironies. Alone, in the dark, like dusk as it falls on the world. When Rivers hits the ground, she is the night that catches him. In the darkness, they meld into something beautiful that shines like the sun.

Only, the greater the star is, the shorter its lifespan.

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~REVIEW~

I’ve lived for 27 years, been a bookworm since I was in grade school hooked to Sweet Valley High. Can you tell that I was a sucker for romance since my age was only a single digit? You bet, I was.

I’ve read almost a thousand fiction books but, there are only a few in this world that had made me stop for a while to catch my breath, because if I didn’t, I would have lost it. And despite that momentarily pause, I lost it anyway. UNLIT STAR is one of those books.

When I read the blurb, I didn’t know what I brought myself into. Sure, the blurb is like a burst of pretty words, why not give it a try? And boy, did I give it a try.

And it killed me. It was like someone speared me straight into the heart and twisted it a million times. It was pretty painful I tell you. How can a single book literally put you in agony? I was a crying mess at five in the morning. I wasn’t prepared, I didn’t have tissues within arms reach. I had no choice but to wipe the river of tears on my fucking shirt while my breaths hitched. It was an ugly sight. Good thing was, the lights were out.

Honestly, I don’t know how to review this book without spoiling anything. But, one thing is certain: this book is beautifully written. If you think the blurb is something, wait until you are reading the actual story. Zart is a gifted bitch. Her words are just… extraordinarily woven into something that actually make you feel. Like you belong to the book; like you are there witnessing everything right in front of your very eyes. The emotions of the characters are so palpable it was like they are physically touching you. UNLIT STAR is a powerful experience. The story is not profound, or enlightening. It’s a relatable story and I think that’s what made it more engaging.

Rivers and Delilah… Ahhh, these two are match made in the night sky. Their love story is one of the most heart-warming stories I have ever read. They were young, yes. But they were each other’s destiny. Insta love? I’ve known people in the literary world who don’t dig this shit, but this shit right here is real; their shit endured; their shit was for keeps. They were each other’s night and day. They were two very different people from different worlds. But, I guess when your heart tells you that it’s in love, then you can’t really do anything even if you try to fight it. Delilah tried, but she failed. And I’m happy she did, because that failure was what really brought them together. Two broken souls that have met, and made each other whole.

~PLAYLIST~

Here's my UNLIT STAR playlist:

A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
The One You Love - Passenger feat. Kate Miller Heidke
In Loving Memory - Alter Bridge
In the Shallows - Daughter

Did I tell you I loved this book? Oh, I didn’t. But, have you read what I wrote? If yes, then probably you get the idea. I was in a book funk for almost eight months now, only reading the ones that I’ve really been waiting for and not trying to find anything new. I haven't even reviewed a book for six months!!! But, I came across Unlit Star and I am glad I did. Because this book actually, is my best read this year. I’m not sure yet, but there’s this little fluttery feeling in my heart that tells me to acknowledge the thought that this may actually be my most favourite book now. I’ll let you know who wins the struggle: the loyalty to the author of the book sitting in my #1 spot, or UNLIT STAR that’s calling to my soul.

Rating:

DIAMOND RECORD

Connect with the Author

Basically she just likes to make stuff up and put it down on paper. I.E. She's an author.

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Nikki reviews: PRINCE CHARMING by Sara Celi

Title: PRINCE CHARMING
Author: SARA CELI

School. Tests. Scholarships. Goals. 

Senior class overachiever Geoff Miller thought he had it all figured out. All he needed to do was make it through the next six months, graduate, and get on with his life. 

College at the University of Virginia beckoned him-- and he just wanted to put the last horrible four years at Heritage High School in the "done" folder. 

Geoff just didn't count on one thing: Laine Phillips. 

For years, Geoff crushed on Laine from afar. He didn't think she even knew he was alive. In fact, the obsession seemed to him like a distraction from an unhappy life in a snobby Greater Cincinnati suburb. 

Until the day that all changed. And when it did, this unlikely Prince Charming got a chance to make his move. 

This is a Mature Young Adult Romance. Not suitable for younger readers. Contains sexual references and profane language.

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~Review~

So I have been in a book and writing funk lately - okay fine, in a  life funk actually. Funking life. Lol. And I am really having a hard time finding books that would get me out of this crazy and not fun stage of being a bookworm. The sweet Mia Sheridan recommended this book on her page and so I gave it a chance...

Well, I shouldn't be less honest here right? When I saw the cover of Prince Charming I was like "Holy #^$#^%&*! Who is this guy?! Where does he live?! Why isn't he marrying me?! Wait, why isn't he my husband yet?!" I needed to get my butt into one-clicking mood. And so I did. Because of the recommendation. No really, because of the book cover. There's no one more perfect to be a prince charming but this guy on the cover. So very Geoff Miller.

Now, enough with the cover talk. I feel dehydrated because of all the drooling I'm doing every single time I see this cover. It's so damn perfect it should be illegal! Like seriously. 

PRINCE CHARMING - a nice, charming short read about a geeky guy. Did someone say GEEKY?! Oh boyyyy, I've always love me some geeky guys! They will always have a soft spot in my ever flirty heart. After I've seen the cover and found out on the blurb that this book is about a nerd and is solely told from the guys POV, the decision has been made: you can kiss my ass book funk.

Geoff Miller - our conflicted prince charming. Why do I say conflicted? It's not because he's a broken boy in this story - but it's mainly because of his character alone. When he's around his friends and step-brothers, he's all high and mighty, like everyone's below his IQ level. Maybe he's just conceited like that, or maybe he's just really tired of all the high school drama. But when he's around Laine, the insecurity switch is flipped on automatically, all confidence down the drain. At times Geoff was becoming a frustrating character, but a very believable one. I believe we've all gone through high school bullshit once in our lives and I for sure can say that there are more dramas in high school than we can ever imagine. Agree?

Another thing I loved about this book is the humor. I found myself literally laughing out loud in the middle of the night like I've gone nuts. I was actually afraid I'd wake up the neighborhood. I love the type of books that makes my heart flutter in a very light, teenage-ry way. With million of books released everyday since indie exploded, sometimes it could get tiring to read books with the same themes. Themes like let's-fuck-with-this-girl's-emotions-up or frustrate-the-hell-out-of-the-reader-until-she-throws-the-book-away or sometimes even themes where you actually question the existence of humanity. With me experiencing quarter-life crisis and all the shit that comes with it, I honestly don't need those types of book right now and I am so thankful I found PC. It was a breathe of fresh air! Hallelujah!

Prince Charming isn't exactly a trip down the memory lane but I could actually consider it as something like that of a throwback Thursday or a flashback Friday stuff. ;) It is very relatable because once in our lives, if not been, then we've known a Geoff or a Laine or an Evan during high school.

♥♥♥

~Playlist~

Here is my playlist for Prince Charming (sorry we don't have Spotify here in the Philippines!):

Treasure - Bruno Mars
All I Ever Wanted - Brian Melo
Kiss Me Slowly - Parachute
Must Have Done Something Right - Resilient K
She's So High - Tal Bachman
Love Is A Verb - John Mayer

Days after I finished reading PC, Treasure played on my phone while I was sound trippin', and guess who popped up to my mind? Yep, Prince Geoff. So I had no choice but to put this on top of the list. ;) I chose All I Ever Wanted as Geoff's other song for Laine because of the lines below that remind me of the scene in the hotel. And everyone who have read this book, come tell me this isn't the perfect song for that scene. ;)

"Slow down, make it last,

I'm having the time of my life.

And take a photograph,

I don't wanna leave this behind.

What seems so out of reach........"

Rating:

PLATINUM RECORD (plus a dime)

About the Author

New Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home.  She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive. Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004. In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.

Author links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Sy reviews: OENONE by Agatha Rae

 

~Synopsis~

Evelyn Dax is in love with her boss, Jeff Richards has an enemy and has been feeling a little cold lately, and Laura and Bruce Levinson have health problems.

What does that all have to do with one Greek Nymph?

Find out in this 303 page fantasy that reads like an independent film.

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~Review~

 

First of all, I'm not really too big on supernatural stories. I did think though that this book was very promising to begin with so I still went for it.

I really wanted to like this story but it just fell short for me. First, I think there were too many side stories going on. I understand that each story was essential to the overall plot of the book but then again, it was just too much. Second, there were parts in the book that in my humble opinion wasn't really that important to be added in there. Third, I got confused in the beginning when I didn't know whose POV was narrating, only to realize it was narrated not by the characters in the book.

What I liked about the book was that it revolved about publishing and editorial. As a reader, I've always been a fan of anything book-related so getting an inside story about what goes on in publishing books and editing and all that stuff has fascinated me and grabbed my attention. So now I have a new dream job, an editor. Hehehe. I also liked Laura and Bruce's characters. Their love was so pure and beautiful and for a moment there I really felt their pain. On the other hand, I think Jeff and Evy's story could've been more. I think their love story had potential but again it just fell short.

In my younger years, Mythology has always fascinated me and I liked that this book had that. I also appreciate that this book taught a very good lesson about love, friendship, honesty and most importantly, patience.

~Playlist~

For me, these two songs have that supernatural vibe in it.

Rating

SILVER RECORD

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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The Bibs review: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

~Synopsis~

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

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~Reviews~

Syrel's review

Nikki's review

The Bibs' Rating

DIAMOND RECORD

About the Author

John Green is the New York Times bestselling author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and The Fault in Our Stars. He is also the coauthor, with David Levithan, of Will Grayson, Will Grayson. He was 2006 recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award, a 2009 Edgar Award winner, and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Green’s books have been published in more than a dozen languages.
Contact: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Nik reviews: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

So I decided to face whatever shit that's been preventing me from writing this review. Yes, I am dreading this. But I feel like I need to say something so I can finally move on with my life and maybe when I look back thinking about Gus and Hazel, I won't be hurting much. Or maybe not.

But whatever. I am ready for this. I think?

Well people, here's a fact: 17 months after its release, I finally decided to read it. I know, people, trust me, I know.

So what took me so long? Honestly, I don't know. My TBR list grew out of hand and I purposefully stayed away from it like it was a cancer. The irony, huh?

There was once this book that I read and wrote my first ever book review and it was about death, loss, cancer. The usual shitty stuff. Oh wait, that isn't usual is it?

After reading that and writing a review, I stayed away from books dealing with cancer stuff like they're a plague. One book and I've had enough. I thought that book would be the most emotional book for me. I was traumatized. Why not? I've had this unfortunate experience with the fucking disease. I've lost someone so close to my heart because of it. So shoot me if I decided one book is enough to hurt me like hell.

Seven months after reading that book I decided to finally read TFiOS. I felt like I was ready, thinking that I've already read the book that crushed me and there is no way in this lifetime that there'd be a second book that'd do the same thing. But boy was I wrong. So, so wrong.

The Fault in Our Stars ruined me. It destroyed me like a Category 6 hurricane would wipe out a neighborhood, if there is even one. It ripped my heart out and handed it to me still beating. I saw it, I saw I was holding my heart on my palm still beating. And then I saw and felt the beating stopped.

It was just a damn book and it shouldn't be allowed to affect a person so much that you can feel the pain physically. I don't know about you people, but I felt my heart constricted several times while reading this book. Maybe it's because I can relate to the pain? Or maybe because John Green created such a powerful story?

Having talked about pain like it's my only business in this world, The Fault isn't about only that. You maybe discouraged to read it because of the way I talked about it but please don't. The Fault in Our Stars maybe the most painful book for me but it's also the most heartwarming book I've ever read.

It isn't just about loss, it's also about finding love and friendship amidst life's trials. It's about finding your support system when you least expect it. It's about acceptance, about fulfilling dreams and wishes, about believing.

I wanted to do something like what Sy did with her review of TFiOS, list down the Crying Jag parts. We actually have the same ones. So here goes...

Warning: Contains spoilers which I think are necessary to drive the point home.

Crying Jag Part One:

It's the latter part of the book that'd really do you. I mean, the book is perfectly written having the first half building emotions, preparing you for the worst. But it never really prepared me. So for the first crying festival:

Back to the hotel in Amsterdam and Gus started telling Hazel " Just before you went into the ICU, I started to feel this ache in my hip."

Goosebumps. Tears. Couldn't breathe. It was one of the most painful parts for me because it has confirmed the lingering fear I had.

Crying Jag Part Two:

Chapter 17, Hazel: I was hoping he didn't remember that I'd found the boy I love deranged in a wide pool of his own piss.

My heart broke for the both of them because I know the feeling exactly. I can perfectly picture Gus's face when he remembered, and you wouldn't want pity to show on your face. It fucking hurts, man. Trust me on this one.

Crying Jag Part Three:

The gasoline station scene where I think even those people void of feeling anything would be affected. I lost it at this point. I lost my grip on reality for a while there. I wasn't really able to tell which is reality and which is not. I thought I was Hazel Grace, because if I wasn't her, how come I felt a surreal amount of pain? John Green messed it up big time, for me.

Crying Jag Part Four:

The pre-funeral. Of course, just when I thought I 'd experience every emotion I could John Green springs this one on me. Wow, thank you, Green. Thank you so much I didn't know my heart is capable of dealing with those painful stuff until I read your book. *deciding if I'm to use sarcasm or not*

Crying Jag Part Five:

Gus's letter to Hazel Grace. Please people, if you decide not to read the whole book because of the emotional mess that it is, just please read this letter. Read it, and tell me that there is no good in loving someone if you knew you'd eventually lose them. And then I will tell you to fuck off, because.

~Playlist~

So I've decided that the song In My Veins is my song for this entire book. I'm not sure why, but I feel like it fits Gus and Hazel's story. Also, I think When I Look To The Sky by Train is a perfect song of Hazel's situation. You know, after everything.

So there, I don't think my review gave justice to what the book really is but hey, I've tried my best. If you're into New Adult and you think you won't love this book, think again. It might not fit into your current book flavor but please just give this book one shot. I promise it won't disappoint. One of the best books I've read my entire life.

Thumbs up, Green, thumbs up.

Sy reviews: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

I was hesitant to write a review about this book for two reasons: One, I’ve read the story a year ago so I won’t be able to give that many details about the story. Two, I guess no matter how I try to express it, I won’t be able to put into actual words how beautiful this book was written and how this story has ruined me. What I can remember though is the emotions I felt when experiencing The Fault In Our Stars and I guess that’s what really matters the most.

So just some trivia about me: The Fault In Our Stars was the next book I read after reading Fifty Shades Of Grey. So needless to say, I was still in that little bubble caused by all things Christian Grey and I thought, hmmm, why not buy TFIOS? Continue the love and the happy ever after, right? Well, I was wrong. So wrong.  TFIOS is a story about these kids with cancer-Augustus Waters (he’s like my 3^rd dream book boyfriend) and Hazel Lancaster. They met in the heart of Jesus (haha you have to read the book so you’ll know what I’m talking about. That part was so funny).  I’ve never really read a story about cancer. Actually, I try to stay away from books that I know will not have a happy ending. I’m telling you, I’m a believer of fairy tales and those happy ever after shit. Anyway, I started reading on this book and was tweeting about a quote from Hazel:

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”

I really liked that quote and I think that quote best fits TFIOS. Anyway, a friend said I should be prepared on how the book will end. And to always always have a tissue in handy. So, I was like okay well maybe Hazel was gonna die because her cancer cells were not completely gone (something like that).

More than halfway into the book, I guess you can say I was totally ruined and in a crying jag. I remember posting photos in my FB page about Crying Jag parts 1-3. Those were snapshots of parts from the book that made me bawl. Warning: this will contain spoilers so if you haven’t read the book then don’t continue reading this review (but if you’re a spoiler kinda person then feel free to read through). If you’ve read the book, then let’s see if we cried on the same parts:

Crying Jag Part One:

When Hazel drove to the gasoline station and she called 911. Her line: “Hi, I’m at the Speedway at Eighty-sixth and Ditch, and I need an ambulance. The great love of my life has a malfunctioning G-tube.” When she said “the great love of my life” I think I just lost it and just burst into tears. I mean, I love how she called Gus the great love of her life. I think that was so sweet and beautiful even in the middle of an emergency.

Crying Jag Part Two:

When Gus told Hazel this: “I’ll fight it. I’ll fight it for you. Don’t you worry about me, Hazel Grace. I’m okay. I’ll find a way to hang around and annoy you for a long time.” You can tell Gus was really trying to fight in order to live. And I liked that. That he tried to remain strong for Hazel knowing that she was hurting.

*pauses for a while since this is making me so depressed*

Crying Jag Part Three:

The pre-funeral – I love what Hazel said to Gus. I won’t put in here anymore because I’m really close to crying my eyes out again.

The actual funeral – this was where the famous “Okay? Okay.” was mentioned.

The Fault In Our Stars was the first book that made me cry-ugly cry. I think I was an emotional mess for almost a week after reading this book.  This was so different from the usual books I’ve read in the past. This was also my best read of 2012. And just like what Hazel said, I think this book has filled me with this weird evangelical zeal that everytime someone asks me for a book suggestion this is the first book that comes to mind. I loved how this book made me feel happy and so sad in the end. I have a bit of a masochist side so I also like a good cry in a book. And oh boy did I cry. You can’t imagine how many Kleenex I used while reading this book.

So yeah, I think I can’t really put into words how this book had affected me. I don’t think I gave enough justice in writing this book review but I just wanna share to everyone that this book is one of the best books I have ever read. I think this is so far the best book I have read and I think once in a while people should read stories like this. You know, stories that will make you feel the heights of highs and the lowest of lows.

~Playlist~

I didn’t know there was even a song called The Fault In Our Stars and when you listen to it and read the book, that song is just a perfect for it.  I know some of the songs may not suit the story but these were the songs I listened to while writing this review and I think it just fits the emotions I felt towards this book. And Ed Sheeran’s Give Me Love? You know I love my Ginger Jesus so I had to toss that song in there. Plus, I think that could be Gus and Hazel’s love song. ;)

So, to all Nerdfighters reading this, DFTBA! ;)

Cover Reveal: TWO ROADS by L.M. Augustine

Two Roads  
L.M. Augustine

Release date: August 26th, 2013

Category/Genre: New Adult Romance

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 The only person poetry-loving Cali Monroe hates more than herself is Logan Waters, the geeky kid who lives in the dorm building next to hers.

Ever since Cali's parents told her she would amount to nothing, she has felt entirely inadequate. Friendless and alone, she takes on the mean girl role in hopes it will make her feel better--and Logan serves as the perfect target. He infuriates her with his obnoxiously long lashes, his all too perfect dimpled smile, and his complete lack of personality outside of his intelligence. It doesn't hurt that he's part of the reason her brother is dead, either. So Cali hates him, and he returns the favor. Thus, their prank-filled, insult-driven rivalry is born, and torturing Logan quickly becomes the highlight of her life.

But when Cali's parents set them up on a blind date, she begins to realize Logan might not be as boring as she always thought. He shares her love of poetry, takes a sadistic pleasure in making fun of crepes, and he makes her blush when he calls her smile pretty. And hey, maybe those long lashes of his aren't that obnoxious after all... 

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~Cover designed by E.M. Tippetts Book Designs~

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Cover Reveal: THE APOLLO ACADEMY by Kimberly Chase

THE APOLLO ACADEMY by Kimberly P. Chase
Launches: 8.6.13

Cover Art by Cliff Nielsen

ABOUT: As the heiress to Titon Technologies, eighteen-year-old Aurora Titon can have whatever she wants—clothes, expensive gadgets, anything money can buy. All she really wants is to escape her pampered, paparazzi-prone life for the stars. Becoming the first female pilot to train as an astronaut for the Apollo Academy is exactly the chance for which she has been waiting. Everything would be perfect if it weren't for her unreciprocated crush on a fellow student, the sexy astronaut bent on making her life hell, and the fact that someone keeps trying to kill her.

Early praise for The Apollo Academy:
"I am obsessed with this book! Suspenseful, sexy, and just a great read!" -Cora Carmack, New York Times Bestselling author of LOSING IT.

“Exquisite worldbuilding, thrilling suspense, and a sexy flight instructor! Chase’s exciting debut novel is one you don’t want to miss.” - K.A.Tucker, Author of Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie
Add The Apollo Academy to your GoodReads Shelf!

AND WE'RE ALSO REVEALING THE BOOK TRAILER! 
About the author:

Kimberly P. Chase holds a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, which basically means she's kind of a geek and loves flying airplanes. Naturally, her books tend to include aviation, hot flight instructors, aviator glasses, and—let's not forget—kissing! When Kimberly's not writing or reading, she's hanging out with her husband, four-year-old son, and two dogs. 

website: www.kimberlypchase.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyPChase
twitter: https://twitter.com/kpchase817

WAIT! THERE'S EVEN MORE AWESOME....AN APOLLO ACADEMY SWAG BAG IS UP FOR GRABS! ENTER BELOW:

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