It Ends with Us Review

Author:Collen Hoover

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 5+stars

Dear Colleen Hoover, 

I feel like writing my review in this manner would speak to you, to the readers who have had the pleasure of reading this gem, and also to everything the story is about. First of I would like to say thank you. It was so hard to read those pages and I am so sure it was 100% worse having to write it. I have read several of your novels and I have loved you for so long. You never fell short of entertaining me. However, reading It Ends with Us might as well have been reading a completely different author. You didn't try to make thisentertaining, no, you were trying to tell a story that isn't often heard. 

"I feel like everyone fakes who they really are, when deep down we’re all equal amounts of screwed up. Some of us are just better at hiding it than others.” 

I can't say I have ever gone through that in my life. I am still pretty young and naïve. Anyways, I have definitely heard about these situations. And I don't want to be a liar but I have definitely judged, as an outsider, in that situation. In It Ends with Us , I wasn't allowed to be objective, I wasn't allowed to sit on the side lines. With everything that happened with the plot, I swear I felt all the naked emotions. So when I was a mess of tears at some points in this novel (UHM, BASICALLY ALL OF IT), I realised unless I have truly lived through an event for myself, I had no reason or place to judge. 

I am confident that the next sentence I am about to write has never been written or spoken aloud before. When he was wiping that cow shit on me, it was quite possibly the most turned-on I have ever been. 

I connected so much with Lily Bloom . I wanted to be her. I didn't want to be her. I wanted to support/cheer her on. I wanted to berate her. Thats when I realised I cared so much for these people in It Ends with Us . I didn't (and still don't) see them as characters. I see them as real living people. People who have all struggled, who are still struggle and who will continue to. They go through their ups and downs and... just live you know? I think a lot of people need to do that. I found aspects in each "character" that I could relate to a friend, family member or acquaintance. It was quite eye opening and made me connect so much more with the novel.

"You warned me. You said one time with you wouldn’t be enough. You said you were like a drug. But you failed to tell me you were the most addictive kind.” 

So not only was the characterisation superb, the plot was meticulously woven. Everything had a purpose and also everything had a time. So I honestly don't have any flaws to speak about. Even if there was, I. did. stop. me. from. loving. everything. about. this. Also now that I have read It Ends with Us , the Note from the Author is even more resonating. I suggest you all read that AFTER read this. It was beautifully written and beautifully honest, much like the novel. Maybe I should have waited a day or even a night before writing this review, but in honour of the honesty that is this novel, I wanted my feelings, emotions, reactions to be naked and raw.

Because I’ve been feeling like drowning lately, and sometimes people need a reminder that they just need to keep swimming. 

If I could sum it up in a phrase it would be this, "It Ends with Us f***ed me." (This is as poetic as it gets.)

But no matter how different the substance of a love might be at different ages in a person’s life, I know that love still has to weigh the same. 

So Colleen (I think we are at a first name basis after this novel) thank you writing this story.

Sincerely,

Your most devoted reader and fan girl

Diana

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The Bad Ones Review

Author: Stylo Fantome

Genre: Contemporary, Dark Romance, Thriller

Rating: 5 stars

This is a beautiful bloody masterpiece. 

The Bad Ones is not a novel for the weak hearted, or the strong hearted or basically anyone with a heart. There were moments where I couldn't physically finish this novel. But I did. And I am weirdly happy I did. In some ways, It was almost too easy to read... And that is what scared me. Usually, when beginning a novel, my mind is distracted and trails a bit. However, From the opening words "Ms. Travers", I found my new favourite novel of 2016. 

What a beautiful darkness we are. 

The Bad Ones is a story about Constantine Matthews and Dulcie Travers who find each other in the last years of high school. They both live in the small town of Fuller, but live opposite lives. Constantine is the mayors' son, the all star quarterback and most popular guy at school. On the other spectrum, Dulcie is a shy, withdrawn girl from the trailer park. She spends days drawing in her sketchbook and ignoring the short stick she drew in life. As simple as it sounds, both characters see the darkness within each other. This beautiful darkness is what threads their lives together. 

She wanted his darkness to swallow her whole. She wanted to be a part of it. She wanted to give her own darkness back to him. 

I was expecting dark N.A. or dark romance, but The Bad Ones is just DARK. It is a novel about the different shades of black. It is about finding your true, primal, raw self. I felt like I was walking through someones darkest thoughts. And even though there were moments where I was shocked, the story enthralled me. It captured my attention. I honestly don't know why I love dark novels so much, maybe its the fact that I believe its the closest thing we will get to the truth or reality. 

“All I've ever wanted was to be myself, all the time,” her voice was shaky. “And for you to love me.” 

The plot is out of this world. It felt like there were ten different mini stories occurring under the main one. From the cover photo, I can reveal that The Bad Ones is actually bloody, don't be fooled or naive going into this. (Small note about the cover art : in one picture, it captures what the story is about. Constantine. Dulcie. Blood.) I loved how the plot felt dynamic and flowing rather than static. The time line is spread out, which allows for character development and building up the tension all leading to the final BOOM. 

She wanted to go, wanted to corner him somewhere, wanted to kick and scratch and bite until he recognized her for what she really was – his reflection. 

Speaking of character development. For the first time in a long time, I was more interested in the heroine than the hero. Don't get me wrong Constantine is bad bad bad. He is a dark cloud that surrounds the town. He is more of an anti-hero. He has soo many faces; I don't I even think got to know the real him. It was disconcerting to have gone through the whole novel and still feel so blinded by a character...

I orchestrated it. Con is just the star of the show – I'm the producer.

...But he has nothing on Dulcie; she is such a kick ass raw character. Dulcie is a raw beating soul out in the open. She knew who she is, what she is meant to be in her world and is unashamedly herself. Her strength and intelligence inspired me. There were moments where I was actually rooting for her, which is fucked up when you think about the context ( but you actually have to read the novel to understand that). 

“Of course you aren't scared of me. I'm not the wolf. You are.” 

Stylo Fantome delivered a phenomenon piece of writing. I have never doubted her talents. Since reading The Kane Trilogy, I knew I would love anything she published. The Bad Ones attests to this. 

“Do not paint me out to be the monster in this story. Your claws are just as bloody as mine.”

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Holding You Review

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4.5 stars

Holding You by Jewel E. Ann, is just like all her other stories, EPIC. I honestly wonder how Jewel does it, because every single story I have read so far is so unique and engaging. She has definitely become one of my favourite authors in Contemporary Romance. Now if she would just release Dawn of Forever , I would be eternally grateful. 

I felt significantly insignificant, as if my presence in the world, albeit small, was still necessary. 

Holding You begins at the peak of life of Addy, a thirty year old vegan chef in Milwaukee. She has reached the point in her life where she is truly who she wants to be. She has an amazing best friend, Mac, and a great restaurant. She mediates, runs and sails.Her life has not always been perfect, but she is slowly allowing herself to live again. Addy loves being close to nature. One day, she steps out of her restaurant on to the street and allows the winds and the scenery around to carry her. In those moments, her life drastically changes. 

My soul is injured. My heart is shattered but won’t stop beating. You see the person I want to be, not who I am. I don’t fear death, I fear the pieces of my heart could be further shattered and it will still be beating. 

Quinn is a latin businessman from New York. He is visiting Milwaukee for a business venture. On his way to a meeting, he almost crashes into Addy who stands in the middle of the street embracing nature. He thinks she is crazy at first and belongs in the set of Sound of Music. This is the case where opposites attract. Quinn is money and power driven while Addy just wants to live her life. But Addy realises she misses being sexually attracted to a man. She then propositions him for sex.

“You’re like my favorite dessert,” I confessed.“I crave you constantly, borderline addiction, but I fear the consequences of overindulging.” 

This is where Addy and Quinn's story begins. It is a relationship purely based on sex at the beginning. However, the more time they spend with each other, the more comfort they gain. There is a companionship that is built. Both characters have dark pasts and are reluctant to fully commit. They are both damaged and slowly begin healing each other. It is a beautiful thing to watch. It is paradoxical that Addy and Quinn bring out the best and worst in each other. 

You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. “Te amo.” 

Jewel E. Ann wrote Holding You as close to a true relationship as possible. I could honestly believe this happens in real life. It isn't the type of HEA where everything is perfect after the characters are together. She shows the work, passion, drive and strength that goes into maintaining a relationship. She also highlights all the flaws and pain that can come from the same relationship. There was a lot of REALNESS going on. 

“Your caveman thoughts of jealously are the only distraction. They are distracting you from the naked woman trying to seduce you, so let it go, stop wasting time, and take me already.” 

Each character stole my heart! Mac, Addy's best friend, is a firecracker and adds humour to the story. She is as crazy as Addy and so intelligent and supportive of her friend and her family. Addy personality really made Holding You . She embodies all the strong characteristics a heroine should have. She is strong, self-assured and unique while still being vulnerable and personable. Quinn is literally sex on a stick. Despite his physical features, I fell in love with his emotional and contemplative side. He genuinely cared for his family and his friends, making him more swoon worthy. 

His expression was indifferent and his self-assured posture said he owned the place, and worse than that, his look said he owned me. 

While reading Holding You , I had permanent butterflies in my stomach. I genuinely cared for each of the characters wellbeing. I can't wait to start the second novel (it ended in a cliffhanger). I advise you all to read this. If you are looking for a contemporary romance with a twist, Holding You should be right up your alley. 

“I would … I would give it up for you. I would choose you with nothing, than everything without you.”


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True Love Way Review

Author: Mary Elizabeth

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mental Illness

Rating: Definitely more than 5 stars

Have you ever woken up one day and just felt sad? Not the everyday emotion but the deep rotted emotion that literally weighs tons on your back? It takes everything out of you. You are left feeling fragile, tired and bare. But you know what happens? We wake up the next day and we are reminded about all the love and light in our lives. The darkness slowly shies away and light becomes a dominant force. We forget about that sadness...

What happens when that sadness never leaves? Never gives you a break? What happens then? 

True Love Way is a powerful read. Not because of it has crazy action or over the top plot. It is powerful because of its words and the feelings it conjures. It is a perspective I have never read before. There were so many layers, so much darkness, so much light, so much life; it was stifling. Because of that, I will never True Love Way again. I honestly can't go through it again. I honestly think I lost a part of myself to this novel. 

True Love Way revolves around a town, Castle Rain, near Washington. There is nothing too special about the town expect for the fact that it rains and the cliffs by the shore resemble a castle barrier. Dillion and his family have been living in this small town for years. They aren't used to new comers. One day, the house that has been empty for years next to theirs welcomes a new family. One summer day, a few days before 8th grade starts, Dillion watches as a family moves into the house next to his. More importantly, he focuses on a little girl with heart shaped red glasses and bubble gum all over her face. He is instantly fascinated. 

We lie in the dark, in the middle of the day, making silent promises and voiceless convictions. 

Penelope and Dillion become fast friends. There friendship is built on truth. When school starts, they ride bikes to school together and altogether click. However, it isn't all easy. Dillion soon finds out that there are days where Penelope can't get out of bed. She is sad. She wear sunglasses everywhere she goes to feel invisible. The problem is the darkness within her does not ignore her. It taunts her, breaks her. The sadness is all consuming. 

Other times she threw up on herself or pounded on her chest until she bruised because she said it hurt on the inside. 

Dillion realises something is wrong from a very early age. He makes it his life to make her smile and always support her. Their bond is powerful. There is genuine love and adoration for each other. They bring out the best in each other. But the issue remains, will their bond be able to beat the darkness? It is a long journey, with ups and down, rights and lefts, happiness and sadness. I don't want to go more into it. Just know True Love Way is a story to be read and experienced. I am warning you it is a bit tough to get through. But so worth it. 

She trusts me enough to let me have her love. Penelope comes to me when she needs help.

But I can’t save her. 

I don't think I have ever loved a hero as much as this novel. I challenge anyone to find a better hero than Dillion. He encompasses everything good in the world; he is kind, loving, supporting and loyal. He is also human and there were scenes where my heart broke for him. But nothing compares to how my heart felt for Penelope. It was such a shock seeing the world from her perspective. It was almost chilling. But most importantly, I loved the LOVE in this story. Not only the love of a boy and a girl. But the love of a wife and husband, father and daughter, a friend. 

Sending my fist into the glass one more time, it splinters completely until my reflection is unrecognizable. I’m nothing but razor-sharp fragments, a kaleidoscope of wreckage. 

What Mary Elizabeth does so well is embrace life with all its faults and all. There is nothing else an author can do but be honest with the readers. True Love Way will stay long in my heart. Whenever I feel happy and light, I will make sure to be grateful for those moments. This was a bit of a personal review but I don't think I could have delivered it any other way. So please show this author some love, and read True Love Way . 

“Dillon,” Penelope whispers. “Sometimes I’m so sad.”

“That’s okay.”

“I don’t know how to fix it,” she admits. Emotion pools in her brown eyes.

“I’ll help you,” I say.

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Magic Shifts Review

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Let’s play who can be a better killer. My sword and I love this game.

Magic Shifts is the eighth novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I still cant believe she has published over eight amazing novels! Kate and Currans' story is endless and timeless and flawless. I just cant get enough! This series just gets better with every book and Magic Shifts is living proof of that. 

Pay attention to this moment. Look at the stars. Breathe in the cold air. This is your last night. These are the last breaths you will take.

What I would give to live in this world Ilona created! Atlanta is a city with a mixture of magic and technological elements that make it such an interesting place to live in. There are Vampires, the Pack, Ghouls, Witches, and other weird shit rooming within the city boarder! 

“Off your chain. So dangerous, Your Majesty.” He glanced at me. “You might be too scary to let into the house. I don’t know if I can risk falling asleep next to you, Unchained One. Who knows what would happen?”

Magic Shifts is a transition from the previous novels, especially Magic Breaks,allowing the reader to settle into the world again. It begins with a normal opening and goes downhill from there. This novel is EXPLOSIVE! Kate is once again put in the forefront of these mysterious events that begin occurring in Atlanta. However, the pressure is on as she has to juggle between saving Atlanta and yet not shinning a spotlight on herself. 

“You’re a fucking bitch, you know that?” Mac said. “I’ll have to live with myself.”

It shouldn't be a surprise that the characters are just as awesome, if not better, than they previously were! Kate and Curran grow both in their relationship and also individually. There are some characters introduced in this novel are just so enigmatic and different. Magic Shifts really does bring in a wave of uniqueness and diversity.   

“That’s what I love about you, Your Furriness. Your humility and modesty.” “Don’t forget my razor-sharp wit and boyish good looks.”

What I loved most about Magic Shifts was the fact that it didn't feel like just ONE episode out of a TV show. It was its own TV show with a mixture of twists and turns, up and downs, calm moments and pure kick ass storms. It was grittier, funnier and multilayered. The novel wasn't just trying to solve one mystery but various problems that simultaneously occurred. 

This was what happiness felt like.

I am in awe of this series as a whole. 

"Curran!” “Yes?” I could hear controlled laughter in his voice. Unbelievable. I sped up. “We’re tracking ghouls and you’re grabbing my butt.” “I always make sure to pay attention to important things.” “Sure you do.”

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Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Review

Author: Jesse Andrews

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Humour

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The sentence should be: “I was pleasantly surprised when the first day of senior year did not make me want to freak out and hide in my own locker pretending to be dead.”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is pure awesomeness. I can't eloquently state how much i loved this soo much! It honestly reflected my personality! At times I felt as though I was reliving parts of my own life. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is undeniably real and honest. It is possibly the realest novel I have read this year. 

I mean, being ostracized by sophomore church kids would not be the worst thing in the world, but my one goal in life was to not be ostracized by anyone.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl begins at the start of senior year in Benson High School. Greg has spent years learning  to maneuver through the maze of social groups and cliques in high school. Greg's mission is to be virtually invisible, yet, not disliked by anyone in particular. I wouldn't call him a recluse nor an extrovert. He is just average. 

A person’s life is like a big weird ecosystem, and if there’s one thing science teachers enjoy blathering about, it’s that changes in one part of an ecosystem affect the entire thing.

During senior year, Greg's mother forces him to hang out a girl, Rachel,  from his grade that gets Leukemia. I guess this is where the comparison stops with The Fault in Our Stars.He isn't too pleased about this establishment. This new found friendship between Greg and Rachel isn't romanticised or idealised. It simply is. What you see is what you get. There are no long monologues on life and death which force us to feel certain emotions. 

Why the hell would we believe in her? She didn’t even believe in herself.

As Rachel "battles" cancer and Greg begins to spend more time with her. They form a weird friendship and bond with each other.Through this process, they begin to figure themselves out as people. Their simple and random conversations reveal more about life than certain full written novels. Greg and Rachel friendship isn't life changing or awe-inspiring but it is a bond nonetheless.  Because of this, Rachel is the only person who has watched the films Greg and Earl have created. As the cancer progresses, Greg and Earl set out to make Rachel a film. 

I raised a girl who’s sweet, and . . . and lovely, but not tough... Greg, I’m a good mother. But I don’t know how to get her through this. It’s like, God forbid, she doesn’t want to live anymore.

I guess what I loved about Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is I did not feel manipulated once in the story. There was no moral behind the story other than just reading through an experience. Jesse Andrews doesn't romanticise cancer or its effects. At times, he is brutally honest and some of the imagery is vividly morose. But it is reality. It is life.  This novel just felt like the personification of day to day living. Ultimately, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a coming of age novel, highlighting its tumultuous journey.

“The world needs more guys like you. Not less.” Now I was getting alarmed. Was there a campaign to get rid of guys like me? Because that campaign would probably start with me.

In the novel, I never felt any personal connection to any of the characters. They were all just average and maybe borderline boring. But that is what made me like them more. The heroine isn't given superhero characteristics or saintly morality. At times Greg felt like his whole antagonist. Greg's counterpart, Earl,  wasn't any better! 

The Greg S. Gaines Three-Step Method of Seduction 1. Lurch into girl’s bedroom pretending to be a zombie. 2. Go for a fist pound. 3. Suggest that you habitually masturbate all over pillows.

To reiterate one more time, this novel is the bomb! 

Because I don’t really have a moral compass and I need to rely on him for guidance, or else I might accidentally become like a hermit or a terrorist or something. How fucked up is that? Am I even a human? Who the hell knows.

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