[Books] Percy Jackson & The Olympians #3 - Titans Curse by Rick Riordan

Goodreads
August 26 - 28 2013

Synopsis

When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped. And now it's up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. Who is powerful enough to kidnap a goddess? They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared—a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.

Review 

Just a note: this review is going to be quite short, but enjoy! 

The Titans Curse, the third book of the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan. 

I started the book off with a smile and a little bit of a giggle. It sucked me in with its simple humor and bluntness from the first chapter, and next thing I knew it I was already on chapter 8. 

One thing I really enjoy in this series is that there always seems to be fights and battles going on in almost every chapter. It really keeps the reader reading. 

I've enjoyed the past two books, and I enjoyed this one. 

Although I think this one is my favorite so far. I still have one book to go. 

This is a simple, humorous, easy read. If you are into mythology and loads of fights, this is the book for you. It is a little bit mild action details, but it's something simple to enjoy. 

[Books] Wallflowers #2 - It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Goodreads

August 12 - 21 2013

Synopsis

Four young ladies enter London society with one necessary goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So they band together, and a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.
It happened at the ball...
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.
It happened in the garden...
When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed...thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!
It happened one autumn...
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable...as his bride?

Review

They are two different people, who are very alike, but are exact opposites. Despising each other since they were acquainted, annoyed at each others presence each time one walks in the same room as the other. But sudden attraction grows once they've gotten close, close enough for a kiss.
It happened one autumn. It did happen one(multiple) autumn day/s. 

The second edition to Lisa Kleypas's absorbing Wallflower series; It Happened One Autumn, is filled with romantic tension and time behind bushes with a splash of humor and suspense.  

Lilian is a stubborn, sharp-tongued, and is filled with pride but she has a strong heart, and Marcus, Lord of Westcliff is a handsome fellow who seems to feel attracted to a certain young American woman who appears to despise Marcus's sometimes arrogant ass. 

Marcus is definitely attracted to her but knows that he shouldn't be because he stuck on the idea that he should marry a noble English woman, not an American. Don't you just love love when the love just goes on unnoticed. It's like you just want to scream at their faces that that it's is right in front of them. As for Lillian, she apparently hates and is irritated by Marcus, but I honestly don't see it. The whole time they were arguing, I didn't feel the hatred or the displeasure. It actually looks like they enjoy arguing with each other. (perfect match indeed)

As much as I enjoy reading about Marcus's thirst for Lillian, I sometimes think that he's doing it a little too much and going over board. It actually made me think that it was the perfume doing its thing, and thinking to myself, "I should really get my hands on that perfume". Marcus definitely needed to get laid. :3

I grew to like St Vincent, he seemed like a very very sweet fellow towards Lillian. He respected her...ish. As I read on towards the ending, he creeped me out a little bit, like a stalker pedophile kind of creeped out. Oh please, I hope I'll enjoy your book once I get my hands on it! I'm very curious on what will happen with you...

This is my second Lisa Kleypas book, and what I've noticed is that Lisa Kleypas always seems to make things exciting and nerve wrecking towards the ending of this series. I'm not sure if she does that with her other books, but I think it's such a great way to spice up a good romance novella.

As much as I would really want this book to give me sleepless night; just as the first book, unfortunately it didn't. I did enjoy this book, a lot, but not as much as I did the first book (Secrets of a Summer Night)

It Happened One Autumn is a funny, hot, absorbing, tense book filled with beautiful details of gardens. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoys the fascinating writings of historical romance that's filled with a pinch of humor and a whole lot of teasing in what seems to be in every 3 or 4 chapters.

[Books] Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

Goodreads
July 19 - Aug 7 2013

Summary

"139 lbs. (how is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh somehow have solidified becoming denser and heavier? Repulsive, horrifying notion), alcohol units 4 (excellent) cigarettes 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow), number of correct lottery numbers 2 (better, but nevertheless useless)..."

Bridget Jones's Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget's permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement--a y ear in which she resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult--and learn to program the VCR.

Over the course of the year, Bridget loses a total of 72 pounds but gains a total of 74. She remains, however, optimistic...

Review

I'm going to get straight on to this and be completely straight forward with this review.

I bought this book thinking I would really enjoy it, but that was back when I was really into mild romantic comedy. I watched the movie, and it's still in my top 20 favorite movies.

The book started off with a list of Bridget's new years resolutions. The first chapter (or the January chapter) didn't really suck me in, but I kept going, determined to get this book off my to-read shelf.

Actually, Bridget reminds me of someone I know. Struggles with weight, doesn't know what she wants, smokes but tries to stop and fails in the end, struggles to be in a happy relationship with a man.

As I got to the middle, there were some funny bits, but I honestly got bored and wanted to get it all over with. I ended up skimming through the last chapter.

I would probably read the second book in time, but not anytime soon.

I recommend this lovely book to those who enjoy mild romantic comedy.

[Books] I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Goodreads

June 15 2013 - July 7 2013

Synopsis

I've lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive!! :)A couple of glasses of bubbly with the girls at a charity do and Poppy's life has gone into meltdown. Not only has she lost her engagement ring, but in the panic that followed, she's lost her phone too. As she paces shakily round the hotel foyer she spots an abandoned phone in a bin. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number with the hotel staff. It was meant to be!

Except the phone's owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn't agree. He wants his phone back, and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, phone messages and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents, can things get any more tangled?

Review

I've always loved Sophie Kinsella's books. It was because of her that I got so into reading chick-lit.

I've got your number was release a year after Mini Shopaholic, and when I saw the book trailer for this I got so excited that I just had to get it! Unfortunately, I got it a few months after it was released from bookdepository.com because I was too lazy to buy it from the bookstore; impractical, I know. 

Anyways...back to the review. 

I've got your number was an easy paced book, just like other Kinsella books. It had been so long since I've read any of her books and it made me feel nostalgic of my high school and university days of when I used to read a lot of Kinsella books. 

I started off with the audiobook, then continued on with reading it, until I got to the middle. Honestly, I got bored. So I would just read a couple of pages a day, and be done with it, there were even times when I got fed up, because I wanted something reckless and exciting to happen. Since I wanted to finish the book quickly and be done with it. I continued on with the audiobook.

As I got close to the ending, things started to get exciting and intense. I practically jumped up and down  and squealed while I doing my errands and listening to the book at the same time. 

I finished the book with a big smile on my face and a deep sigh. And it gave hope on how my non-existent love life would turn out. 

I've got your number is another great novel by Sophie Kinsella, that is funny, an easy read, and if you've loved her Shopaholic Series and other chick-lit novels, you'll love this one. 

xxxxxxxxxx

xoxoxoxox

:) 

[Books] Review - Puppet Shows by Michael Frissore

Goodreads | Amazon 

Synopsis

A kindly organ grinder and his performing monkey adopt a young boy after his father spontaneously combusts; a barber living inside a whiskey bottle confronts the neighborhood nuisance who wields a dead squirrel like a pair of nunchucks; and an unruly gang of sock puppets are born in a basement dojo. Welcome to Puppet Shows, thirteen outlandish stories from a writer Tucson Weekly called "a very funny weirdo."

Review

Puppet Shows is a book filled with multiple different humorous stories. You'd be quite surprised at how many short stories there are in this tiny book.

There are only a few words I can say about this, it's humorous, original from any books I've read, plus the way it was written was superb.  For me honestly, it was a real page turner. 

These are the short stories that you would read to your teenage kid before bed; if they would want you to that is. And the type of stories that you would read to just have a bit of a laugh once in a while. You could pick the book up, read a story, and it will brighten your day with its indirect humor. It's brilliant for spontaneous reading. 

I completely recommend it to those who have a very very busy schedule and is dying for something short and enjoyable to read. 

[Books, Review] Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester

Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis

Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino, who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.

Review

When Brian was born, the doctors said that because of the formula fed to him since infancy, that he would be unable to walk, talk or be a vegetable his entire life. But Brian's grandmother; Mama, never lost faith in her grand baby. It was because of her faith and love for Brian, that things turned out great for the entire family. Brian was able to walk and talk, showing the doctors that they were wrong.

As I read through the beginning, my heart just broke. Hearing the news that Brian would have no hope in the world. But as I got to the middle of the book, it was very very heart warming. How everyone adjusted to the whole situation, how the entire family had faith that Brian would do what every normal person does. It really teaches you that anything can be possible as long as you have faith.

Brian's life would be completely different without the faith and love of his grandmother; Mama.

This book is a well-written, emotional, heartbreaking, lesson learning book that teaches the readers that anything can be possible if they have faith and believe. It provides the encouragement that one needs to improve themselves into becoming better people.

I recommend this to those who enjoy reading about heart breaking but absorbing contemporary fiction.

[Books] Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin

Goodreads

Started on: January 4, 2013
Finished on: January 10, 2013

Synopsis

The smash-hit debut novel for every woman who has ever had a complicated love-hate friendship.

Now A Major Motion Picture - In Theaters May 6th

Rachel White is the consummate good girl. A hard-working attorney at a large Manhattan law firm and a diligent maid of honor to her charmed best friend Darcy, Rachel has always played by all the rules. Since grade school, she has watched Darcy shine, quietly accepting the sidekick role in their lopsided friendship. But that suddenly changes the night of her thirtieth birthday when Rachel finally confesses her feelings to Darcy's fiance, and is both horrified and thrilled to discover that he feels the same way. As the wedding date draws near, events spiral out of control, and Rachel knows she must make a choice between her heart and conscience. In so doing, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk everything to be true to yourself.

Review

Rachel and Darcy have be the best of friends since they were kids. Darcy has always been the perfect one, who wanted to be better than everyone but in the end she always puts her friends first. Rachel is the one who always puts herself down and basically doesn't have much confidence in herself. Years later, Darcy gets engaged to Rachel's good friend from law school, Dexter/Dex. It's Rachels birthday and some how, Rachel confesses her feelings to Dex and one thing led to another, they wake up naked in her bed the next morning.

I was initially excited to start this book. It was a book that I really wanted to read at some point, so I did. I don't know what's wrong with me but I just wasn't that into it but then my eyes just couldn't stop reading it. xD Lol

As I got to through the book, I got really annoyed at the characters. Darcy is just all about herself, she tries to make everything about herself, she lies to make herself better than others, and I'm just annoyed at her. I know the second book; Something Blue, is about her, I don't know how to deal with that, but she'll be the main character so I guess it'll be different.

Rachel annoyed me towards the middle and end of the book. It really seems like she has no confidence in herself at all! And she's very very naive.

The storyline is new to me; book wise , but I did watch the movie before I read the book. There are times as I was reading when I wanted to just close the book and stop reading. It just seems so dramatic for me... and I enjoy watching gossip girl. I don't know whats wrong with me.

[Books] Adudan by Dario Giardi

Goodreads | Amazon | Official Website

Started on: November 6, 2012

Finished on: November 13, 2012

Synopsis 
"Only when you no longer fear death will you be able to write your own destiny"

Marcel lives on a small island off the coast of Brittany. He dreams of becoming a famous writer but in his dreams he discovers his destiny and his true identity.
A dream journey that takes him to the magical world of Atlas. There he finds out that he was Railen, the elite guard of princess Adudan.

For Marcel those visions are the first piece of a story whose roots go back to the dawn of time.
Memory by memory, he begins to piece together his past, narrating to us the events that forced him to part with his beloved Adudan.

Dogged and constantly threatened by the Draconians, a cruel alien civilisation, the two lovers must separate in order to protect the Crystal of Atlas.
But they can’t run forever, the day will come when the Draconians manage to track down the Crystal; and when that day comes mankind will have to be ready and trained to defend itself and write its own destiny.

Review

I was given this book to review almost a month ago and I finally had the chance to finish it! 

Adudan is an urban-fantasy romance debut novel by Dario Giardi. It is about two people who are in love, Railen and his princess Adudan. They were forced to separate but then find their way back to each other. 

The way the book was written was excellent, it made it an easy read. The details were great, everything was straight to the point, but the only things I really craved for is the details when it came to the fight scenes. I thought that needed a little bit more detail because I felt like something was missing or it wasn't enough. 

The story line was original and it is the reason why I would pick this up from the shelf and read. It's romantic, adventurous, and absorbing.  And one quote that I really loved was:

"My home was in her arms. Her home was in my embrace" - pg 137 

The book cover really speaks on what's inside the book but doesn't really reveal all it's content. It's a good cover but I don't think it will be the reason why I would pick this up from the shelves.  

In conclusion to this review, I really enjoyed Adudan, I loved the way it began, I loved the way it ended. It was an engrossing and easy read. And I recommend this book to those who love reading about forbidden romance or romance in general and those who enjoy reading about fantasy. 

[Book] The Tree With No Branches by Johnny Knew

Goodreads | Amazon

Started & Finished on: November 4 2012

Synopsis

In the heart of the Full-Of-Pride forest lives a tree without any leaves, blossoms or even a single branch. Teased and bullied for being different, what is this simple tree to do? Get ready to watch some leaves get rustled as you embark on a trunk-warming tale of gargantuan proportions. The Tree With No Branches is a story about love, courage, and growing where it counts. Hold onto your petunias because the most funtastical story that's ever been told is about to unfold and is sure to take you and your imagination on the log ride of your life! The Tree With No Branches, by Johnny Knew, is the first of 6 books to be released by CutiePie Publishing. With the depth of Shel Silverstein and the rhythmic pulse of Dr. Seuss, Johnny Knew has created a world without boundaries that touches the heart, mesmerizes the mind and delivers a smile. . . leaving us all wanting more.

Review

This is a cute little book that tells a story about a tree who is different from every-tree else because he had no branches at all. Every tree in the forest made fun of him, said mean things about him, and bragged about how great they all were because of their beautiful branches and leaves while the one with no branches had none.

I loved this 23 page book! It is just too cute. It teaches little kids, and also everyone who reads this, not to judge every book by its cover, or in this case, don't judge a tree by how many branches it has. 

The illustrations look very detailed and of course, appropriate for a children's book. The way it was written was great, the rhyming is always a great addition. 

All in all, I loved this short children's book. It was an easy read, very creative, well illustrated, well written, and it teaches the reader or the listener many things. I recommend every mom and dad to buy this book for your kid/s and read it to them before bed.