Read and Review #22 - Kiss The Sky (Krista & Becca Ritchie)

Title: Kiss the Sky

Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Publication date: 22 January 2014

Publisher: K.B. Ritchie (Independent Book Publishers Association)

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Virgin. Sex addict. Daredevil. Alcoholic. Smartass … Jackass. Her five friends are about to be filmed. Reality TV, be prepared.

Rose Calloway thought she had everything under control. At twenty-three, she’s a Princeton graduate, an Academic Bowl champion, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Fortune 500 mogul. But with a sex addict as a sister and roommate, nothing comes easy.

After accepting help from a producer, Rose agrees to have her life filmed for a reality television show. The Hollywood exec is her last chance to revive her struggling fashion line, and boundaries begin to blur as she’s forced to make nice with a man who always has his way.

Twenty-four-year-old Connor Cobalt is a guy who bulldozes weak men. He’s confident, smart-as-hell and lives with his equally ambitious girlfriend, Rose Calloway. Connor has to find a way to protect Rose without ruining the show. Or else the producer will get what Connor has always wanted—Rose’s virginity.

This New Adult Standalone Romance can be described as Friends meets The Real World. Expect fist fights, drugs, sex of varying degrees, crude humor and competitive alpha males. Definitely for mature readers audiences only.

My rating:
5 / 5

My review:
A very concupiscent read!

Kiss the Sky is a spin off from the Addicted series written by the Ritchie twins. It is a standalone but please, PLEASE read the Addicted series. You'll get to know more about Rose and Connor and the history of their relationship. Not only that, you'll also fall in love with Lily, Lo, Ryke and Daisy as well. It's a rarity to fall in love with all the major couples at the same time but Krista and Becca manage to do that without taking the limelight out of the couple in focus. Each character development is parallel with the storyline, maintaining the focus of the story while getting to know them more in the process. 

When Rose was introduced in Addicted to You, I didn't really have a high opinion of her. She came across as frigid, strict and always try to inject herself in Lily's life. That was before I knew how important her presence is in her sister's life. Rose is the mother Lily desperately needed and from there I began to build my respect towards her.

I was very wary of Connor at first because of his tendency to hang out with people who benefits him. His confidence is his most prominent feature and I was reassured by his calm demeanour whenever Loren or Lily started to crack. To me, Connor has all the qualities of a leader and without a doubt I saw him as the leader of the group soon after. His famous bromance with Loren was a result of constant rebuttals from Loren's sharp tongue in his drinking days. And yes, I do ship them together. 

This book is so much different than the Addicted series. We get to see Rose and Connor as individuals who were affected by the scandal surrounding Lily and Loren. As a sister. As a friend. They are the adults that kept their little group of six together. And Rose wanted to show the world that they were in fact normal people with problems, not spoiled rich kids who lounge around spending their parents' money. And so Princesses of Philly was born.

Now, I watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians. I sometimes love it, sometimes I don't. Reality television opens a new channel for ordinary people like myself to see into the lives of celebrities. How many of it can you really trust? Do they really act that way in real life? Are any of it staged? Almost everything is real. It only takes good editing (good for production, not necessarily for the cast) to turn something trivial into a big deal, a good thing into bad. Krista and Becca definitely captured that in this book. 

About 61% of the book I was like this:

The other 36% like this:

And the rest:

I take back everything I ever said about Rose when it comes to her being so frigid. I can relate to her, about wanting to lose her virginity to a guy who would stick around. But I didn't expect for her to be a submissive in bed. She's a very fierce and strong woman and I thought that it would translate into her sex life.

"She didn't wish to rule a man in bed. She wanted to be ruled. But she didn't know how to ask without feeling weak. So she thought being alone, unfulfilled sexually was the better option. I'm here to tell her it should have never been a fucking solution in the first place."

 And trust me when I say Connor and Rose are amazing together as lovers. 

Connor is a perfect fit for Rose. The yin to her yang. The Clyde to her Bonnie. They are not very different from each other but the more I get to know them, I feel that they complement each other more rather than these two people who are together because they are alike. Not to mention the way they were so in sync with one another most of the time.

"That's the thing about being fucking smart—I  understand her better than she understands herself."

In a word, I guess towards the ending, it was really unpredictable. I was flummoxed by the change in the wedding plans but after two minutes I started screaming internally because I did not see it coming. And I liked it. LOVED IT.

Kiss the Sky is a story of a sister's sacrifice for her family. A son's desire for a family he never had. A woman's struggle with intimacy. And a man's search for the most important things in life.

Congratulations on your achievement at haunting me for months to come. Now I will cry in a corner because Connor just basically made me rethink of my choices in men.

Upcoming Release #3 - Be With Me (J. Lynn)

Title: Be With Me (Wait For You #2)

Author: J.Lynn
Publication date: 4 February 2014

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Pre-order a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…

Teasers:

*Images are taken from J. Lynn's blog.

Initial thoughts:

Jase is a mystery to me. I don't know much about him but I suspected something going on that has to do with his brother. I may be wrong but I'll have to read the book to find out more. He's the total opposite of Cam. At least, that's the vibe I got from him from the multiple appearances that he made in the previous two books.

As for Tess, I already love her from reading Wait for You and Trust in Me. Cam is very protective of her and I wonder how he'll react to his best friend and his beloved sister being in a relationship. It would be fun. 

J. Lynn has that style of writing that mostly comprises of dialogues and monologues. I love a descriptive writing but somehow, after two books, I am still interested in reading more of her work. Cam was confident without being obnoxious, Avery sweet without being tacky.

From the excerpt included in Trust in Me, I knew that it would be a good read. I am excited for the release and yeah, pre-order a copy now!

Read and Review #10 - Deeper (Robin York)

Title: Deeper

Author: Robin York

Publication date: 28 January 2014

Publisher: Random Publishing House Group - Bantam Dell

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

In this New Adult debut by Robin York, a college student is attacked online and must restore her name—and stay clear of a guy who’s wrong for her, but feels so right.

When Caroline Piasecki’s ex-boyfriend posts their sex pictures on the Internet, it destroys her reputation as a nice college girl. Suddenly her once-promising future doesn’t look so bright. Caroline tries to make the pictures disappear, hoping time will bury her shame. Then a guy she barely knows rises to her defense and punches her ex to the ground.

West Leavitt is the last person Caroline needs in her life. Everyone knows he’s shady. Still, Caroline is drawn to his confidence and swagger—even after promising her dad she’ll keep her distance. On late, sleepless nights, Caroline starts wandering into the bakery where West works.

They hang out, they talk, they listen. Though Caroline and West tell each other they’re “just friends,” their feelings intensify until it becomes impossible to pretend. The more complicated her relationship with West gets, the harder Caroline has to struggle to discover what she wants for herself—and the easier it becomes to find the courage she needs to fight back against the people who would judge her.

When all seems lost, sometimes the only place to go is deeper.

My rating:

3.5 out of 5 bread consumed

My review:

*ARC generously given by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I was not sure how to rate this book. I liked it but I wasn't in love with it. I took my sweet time reading it because the choice was either continue on and be frustrated or take my time and let the frustration ease. 

We have Caroline Piasecki, a college student whose ex-boyfriend post their sex pictures on the Internet. She's a normal, nice college girl. On her way to be a lawyer. Who makes straight A's and doesn't fool around at parties. Once the pictures are out for the public to see, she started getting harassed by strangers who want some of the action they've seen in the pictures. She found comfort in West, after witnessing an altercation between him and her ex, Nate. 

West Leavitt is the go-to guy for drugs in Putnam College, dealing from the bakery where he works. He majors in Biology, studying to be an anesthesiologist. Aside from dealing drugs, he also waits table, shelves books at the library and caddies at the golf course. West has plans, and it doesn't involve Caroline. But living across her in the dorms, seeing her every day made it hard for him to ignore her existence. 

I actually like Caroline and West, when they're not thinking about mauling each other every time they are near the other. I guess it's the hormone but really, it's like they only like each other for the sexual vibe they give out.

But sexy-time with them is hot. And I mean really hot.

And the funny thing is, once they let out their pent-up frustration, they actually think about something other than sex. Like West's family. And Caroline's family finding out her sex pictures. 

The ending felt rushed for me. The last two chapters anyway. There is so much going on that for a second there I was confused. I guess the word I'm looking for is easy. There is a bunch of thing left unsettled, unexplained and there is still this huge wall between Caroline and West by the end of it. Well, that's what cliffhanger means, right?

Favorite thing ever that I can relate to!

"I took this job expecting to be left alone, working when nobody was awake, not having to be polite or say words I don't mean, to act like I'm somebody I'm not."

Read and Review #5 - Ricochet (Krista & Becca Ritchie)

Title: Ricochet (Addicted #1.5)

Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Publication date: 1 August 2013

Publisher: K.B. Ritchie (Independent Book Publishers Association)

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

As a sex addict, Lily Calloway must do the impossible. Stay celibate for 90 days. Cravings and fantasies become her new routine, but while Loren Hale recovers from his alcohol addiction, Lily wonders if he’ll realize what a monster she really is. After all, her sexual compulsions begin to rule her life the longer she stays faithful to him.

Progress. That’s what Lily’s striving for. But by trying to become closer to her family—people who aren’t aware of her addiction—she creates larger obstacles. When she spends time with her youngest sister, she learns more about her than she ever imagined and senses an unsettling connection between Daisy and Ryke Meadows.

With Lily and Lo’s dysfunctional relationship teetering and unbalanced, they will need to find a way to reconnect from miles apart. But the inability to “touch” proves to be one of the hardest tests on their road to recovery. Some love brushes the surface. Some love is deeper than skin.

Lily and Lo have three months to discover just how deep their love really goes.

My rating:

5 out of 5 hours set to do work spent on reading this book 

My review:

Warning: The topic on sex is kinda heavy here. And strangely enough, it's still not erotica!

In the last book, the story left off with Lo leaving for a 3 month stint in rehab. Like I mentioned in my review of the first book, the ending was bittersweet because Loren and Lily had never been apart since they became friends. They were so dependent on each other, so addicted to each other's presence that their separation was unbearable. For me at least.

The story continued with Lily struggling to continue life without Lo by her side. She was trying to stay loyal to Lo and not break her promises to him. In the previous book, Lily never overcame her addiction or even trying to. I didn't realize it at first but the first book focused on Loren's addiction and how it affected Lily. Here, she was suffering from withdrawals from having real sex and even masturbating more to get her fix. And since she vowed to remain celibate, she could do nothing more but fantasizing about sex and self-love. Her frustration builds because it wasn't satisfying enough and kept her restless most of the time.

Since Loren left, Lily moved in with Rose who was having an on and off again relationship with Connor. Their interaction was adorable but sometimes I can't help but wanting to scream at Connor for being a smartass 100% of the time. But somehow even though he's a smartass, he's still likable.

"That's impossible," Connor tells her. "We're the two smartest people in the entire world. You put us together, and you get a superhuman."

One interesting development in this story is Ryke and Daisy's growing relationship. However, aside from a few teasing remarks from Ryke to Daisy, their interaction is always full of anger and disappointment. One minute he was teasing her and lightly flirting with her, the next he's screaming at her for her crazy stunts. I was intrigued by their relationship because Ryke didn't even like Lily and Daisy but went to great lengths protecting them. I guess that's another thing we have yet to uncover about Ryke. Right now, even if he's still acting like an asshole, I still like Ryke.

"Daisy," he coos, waving his spoon around the air to try to get her to look at him. She barely stirs. He tries a different tactic. He dips two fingers into the gooey chocolate filling. No, I internally scream in my head. He's not going to..

Every time Ryke came into the scene, I am holding my breath because the most random and funny scenes have him in it. Without all the teasing from him, this will be a very overwhelming book filled with Lily's struggle. Her therapy sessions were interesting and we slowly get to learn more about her addiction; when it started, what started it and how did she deal with it every time. 

And her Skype session with Loren...

This is a good companion book for the next installment of this series. We get to know Daisy more and also learn about the severity of her addiction. There are just as many intense drama going on in the family as the previous book. The excerpt at the end for Addicted For Now just about killed me. Definitely picking up the next book as soon as it comes out!

Read and Review #4 - Addicted to You (Krista & Becca Ritchie)

Title: Addicted to You (Addicted #1)

Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Publication date: 22 August 2013

Publisher: K.B. Ritchie (Independent Book Publishers Association)

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

She’s addicted to sex. He’s addicted to booze…the only way out is rock bottom. 

 No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own. 

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment. 

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex. 

Their real vice may be each other.

My rating:
5 out 5 recommend this without alcohol consumption

My review:

*A copy was given to me generously by the authors via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to one of my friends on Goodreads (Jennifer) for the status updates while reading this book that made me curious out of my mind that I finally cave in and decided to read this book. I knew about this book the day it was published (because I stalk Goodreads every day) and when I read the synopsis I was a little interested but the idea of a sex addict is sort of a turn off because I thought it would lead to sex after sex and eventually turn this new adult book into an erotica. Again, I was wrong for my judgement in books.

The opening scene didn't hold back. No sugarcoating it with happy college experience like first day of school, meeting new friends etc No, it started by introducing us to Lily's addiction, then Loren's. And what better way to introduce them than a frat row?

A sex addict is not the same as someone who likes to have sex. Constantly horny =/= addicted to sex. It's a disease, something you can't get out of. Like drug addiction. A sex addict needs relief not just for fun, but because without it they'll start to feel the withdrawal, the shaking, the anxiety, basically losing their mind if they don't get their fix. That's how Lily is. She has one night stands with numerous guys every day just to get her fix, so she could function well and act like a normal person. She's so accustomed to having sex that she goes to a bar every night to get her daily dose of sex with an anonymous guy.

Unlike most characters in books, Lily doesn't have one night stands because she's suffering from some sort of abuse or is emotionally crippled. Strangely but understandably enough, her addiction just sort of started and she hadn't stopped since.

Most people don't realize they're alcoholics until they stopped drinking. In Loren's case, he's in denial. And like anyone in denial, he gets angry when being confronted of his problem. He acknowledged it but he refuses to accept it. 

The part where Lily was trying so hard to make him drink less broke my heart because he refuses to listen which made her use her addiction to distract him from his addiction. 

"We should talk, but what do I say? Lo, I wish you would stop drinking. And he'd say, Lily, I wish you'd stop having so much sex. And then we'd look at each other and wait for the other to say okay, I'll change for you. But there'd be silence so deep and cutting that I'd feel ripped open and bare."

They feed off each other's understanding with their addiction, which made their whole relationship convenient. It wasn't until they started being together for real that their convenience was shattered. He drinks more because she started to panic over being monogamous and he doesn't want her to suffer from withdrawals. She has sex with him more to distract him from drinking more. I mean, they care for each other so much but they are feeding their own addiction trying to cure the other.

This book has three prominent side characters; Rose, Connor and Ryke. All three play major part in both Lily and Loren's life. I thought Ryke was the most interesting the moment he was introduced into the story. All I could think of was, Lily must be salivating over him. Because he sounded exactly like the guy I thought she would end up with.

The ending was bittersweet. I don't know how the book could end better than the ending that it has. When I'm done, I felt so bereft that I wasn't sure what I was doing and the time and everything around me. All I can say is that it's a good read and it's hardly erotica.  

And now I'm off to the next book in the series!

Read and Review #3 - Where I End And You Begin (Andra Brynn)

Title: Where I End And You Begin

Author: Andra Brynn

Publication date: 13 August 2013

Publisher: House of the Moon Publishing

Get a copy! Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

In Japan, they say there’s a red thread of fate that binds people who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. It may tangle, it may knot, it may stretch or fray, but it will never break. It is a future as indelible as the past. I hope that isn't true. I pity anyone destined to meet me.

For Bianca Ray, the past is always catching up, one way or another. Now in her third semester at college, it's doing it again. Too much drinking has led to plummeting grades and rising absences, putting her scholarships in peril. When she makes it clear that she needs help—all over the floor of her history class—she’s given one last chance to shape up: seek therapy and bring her grades up by the end of the semester, or she’s out.

Enter Catholic seminarian Daniel McGuire. The last thing Bianca wants is an aspiring priest to counsel her on how to live her life, but the handsome graduate student is different from the holy rollers she fled from at home. Gentle and unobtrusive, he helps her pick up the pieces and find a new way to live: not running from the past, but facing it head on.

But opening up her heart to release the pain means that something else can come in. As Bianca and Daniel grow closer, their relationship moves onto dangerous ground and the fragile courage Bianca has built up threatens to fail her. Can she exorcise the ghosts of her past, or will they catch hold and drag her down where not even Daniel can reach her?

My rating:

4 out 5 suggests reading in with the lights on

My review:

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review* 

This book was like a breath of fresh air after reading one new adult book after another etched with the same theme in the plot. I believe this is the second book I've ever read that involves a priest/minister/pastor falling in love with a fallen (or something like that) woman/girl. But then again, Daniel didn't even make any vows to be a priest, he was just studying to be one.

We have Bianca Ray; party girl, drunk every night, fucks every night, has an obsession with ghost stories and still somehow managed to maintain her GPA. I like Bianca, however, I felt like there's something off up till the end. Something in me kept saying, 'Bianca doesn't sound right'. But I kept going up till I reach this little part towards the end.

"There's a pause. "Bianca." I hear him say.

 "Wait," Tanya says. "Who?"

 I have to get out of here.

"Who?" Tanya says again.

"Your roommate?" he says as though she's an idiot.

"Oh,"Tanya says. Then, "Oh. You mean Annie.""

I shit you not when my eyes instantly widen and I started choking. It was one of those moment where it felt like 'Holy shit what!' and 'I KNEW IT!' came together and I wasn't sure which one to attend to first. But it felt right, like something just clicked right into place. 

"I have to smile a bit. "Did you think I was a ghost? Just for a second?"

To my surprise, he laughs. "Yeah," he says."

Exactly.

Next, we have Daniel McGuire; studying to be a priest, wears prim clothes, hardly swears and is sweet, kind and innocent through and through. I'll put Daniel in the beta-heroes type because that is exactly what he is. The kindness he shows towards Bianca makes me feel warmth all over, despite the chilly feeling I get from their surroundings.

This book was well-written, albeit most of it revolving ghost stories and the afterlife. Growing up in a religious household, I can understand both Daniel and Bianca's point of views in religion. And to quote the words of comedian Steve Harvey, 'Everyone is on the borderline.', where he says that no one is really a shoe-in into heaven.

However, I didn't understand the whole thing with Bianca's running away from her past. What was she running away from exactly? There were two possibilities and I was not sure which was the stronger factor. It wasn't tackled in the end and it sort of didn't explain why she started drinking and all.

I picked up this book thinking 'Hey, must be one of those forbidden love stories.' Boy was I wrong. Yes, there was romance brewing in the air, but it wasn't explored as much as I hoped it would. But it was kind (that's the word I can describe it in) until the end where I was like, 'Wait what? I want more!'. 

It's a good book if you can muster enough courage for a few ghost stories. If you're not into a book that's dark, you might not want to pick this up. I give this a 4 star because of the excellent writing and storytelling. And maybe because of Daniel too. I wish there's a continuity to this story where Daniel and Bianca get to explore their relationship more. If there isn't, then it's still a good finish nevertheless.

Read and Review #2 - Isn't She Lovely (Lauren Layne)

Title: Isn't She Lovely

Author: Lauren Layne

Publication date: 28 October 2013

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Flirt

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The rules are clear—until they’re broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.

“Who knew that pretending you’re not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?”

Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund . . . or does he?

As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating them. And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

My rating:

4.5 out of 5 snicker bars consumed while reading this

My review:

I got this book the day it was released and wasted no time reading it. My mantra while reading it had been, 'Keep your fucking shit together!'. And I did, until I went home and finished the last 5 chapters and broke down in the corner of my bed.

Pygmalion – that’s the theme of this story. It’s not a very common theme for books and movies out there. Then again, I kept reading books with the same theme so who knows maybe there are more books with Pygmalion themes out there. But the movies that scream Pygmalion? One in particular is the classic Pretty Woman.

We have Stephanie Kendrick; all-black attire, multiple piercings, raccoon eyes – the typical Goth kid lurking around campus, hating on everyone, thinks that ‘meet-cute’ never happens in real life. Then we have Ethan Price; blond hair, built with freaking muscles from God knows doing what, preppy, your typical charmer.

First thought, holy all pitch perfect this is Anna Kendrick right here. Have you not seen Pitch Perfect? Remove the Goth attire and that people, is Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect. Hair, height, boobs, like it's a given. 

That gif is pretty accurate I think. And Ethan, well Ethan is basically described as your average rich boy hero. In this book, we get to see a combination in new adult that is, quite rare. Sure we get the sullen, I-hate-everyone girl but they’re usually pretty, cute, tomboy at most but rarely Goth. The banter between Stephanie and Ethan is interesting and one of my favorite parts of the book.

I swear it's less creepy than this.

Stephanie's transformation, I wish I could see her, imagining just won’t do! I mean, from Goth to all glammed-up?

And the way they were so at ease with other, the attraction between them –it hurt at certain part of the story how they were so restricted by this unspoken rule.

It didn’t make a full 5 rating because of small details like wanting more scenes where they’re together. Yes, 3 is already enough (dinner, wedding, party) but I can’t think that their attraction is only switched on in those three events. And the rest of the time they just managed to be comfortable around one another? I don’t know, I guess I expected more Stephanie and Ethan scenes where they don't have to pretend to love each other and instead let nature takes its course. 

And then there was this part..

"I'll be in touch about the screenplay. I'm thinking we might have to reconsider the female lead. God knows we can't base her on you. We need someone with guts. Someone not afraid to bleed a little. So go back to being the statue, Stephanie. But don't expect me to be the one to bring you back to life next time. I'm done."

It was a struggle to finish because I was sobbing so hard (damn alternating POV) but I managed through. In the end, it was a refreshing read for me. I fully recommend this book to anyone who enjoys new adult, romance and lots of banter.

Read and Review #1 - Switched (Cassie Mae)

Title: Switched

Author: Cassie Mae

Publication date: 2 December 2013

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Flirt

Get a copy! Amazon | Google Play Store | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for.

Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “only a friend” ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.

My rating:

2.5 / 5

My review:

*ARC generously given by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, from my lips to God's ears (yes, I am speaking as I type this) I don't like Kayla as much as everyone else. Why? This whole thing that made up the plot of the book was based on one thing, Kayla's selfishness. Maybe a little of Wesley's. But mostly Kayla because this was in her point of view. The plan was to break up their best friends, Reagan and Talon because they were not right for each other. The thing is, there was nothing wrong in Reagan and Talon's relationship to begin with! 

"I love my best friend's boyfriend. But I swear, I saw him first."

Reagan didn't even steal Talon away from Kayla. And Kayla, sweet, shallow Kayla, never told her best friend about it. It's not Reagan's fault that Kayla didn't have the balls to make a move on Talon.

Furthermore, I don't see how Kayla and Talon are "soulmates". They didn't even share intimate conversations. She's in college but her head was still stuck in middle school! Or rather, elementary school. Sounds familiar?

I can't help but just skimmed past her parts, which is difficult given that this book was written entirely in her POV. Maybe writing in her journal was one way to erase the guilt. Breaking up a good relationship was bad, but at least Kayla did her own rationalize thinking on the matter.

"A girl who wants to steal her best friend's boyfriend because he's hot? Yeah...I'm a bitch."

HOWEVER! All boyfriend-stealing talk aside, the book was quite nice. It's predictable and sweet and I can't help but liking Wesley the most. Is it supposed to be this way? Anyways, it's nice to read about the jealousy brewing between Kayla and Wesley once they finally realized who they're supposed to end up with. And kudos to Reagan and Talon for concocting a plan of their own to help these two miserable souls.

It was more of an okay read for me in the beginning but things started to perk up when they (I mean Wesley because Kayla is determined to see this thing till the end!) realized that they were falling for each other instead. Don't say I didn't warn you about Kayla. Well, in the beginning anyways.