TOP TEN YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE OF 2012

                             

   

BOOKS ARE A CONSTANT COMPANION. Year 2012 has been a hardship for me. I experienced emotional breakdown and even identity confusion. Whenever I feel like isolating myself from the rest of the world, I grab my backpack and search for a book, or take out my e-reader. 

I was never a fan of romantic novels until Fifty Shades of Grey. Then, I suddenly felt the urge of warming my heart even a little bit. No, don't talk about my non-existent love life. Fine! Just so you know, I did experienced a relationship even if I was too in love with my books. That was almost two years ago. Uh, three maybe? Ha! Going back, I decided to make a list of romantic novels that touched me this year. They are actually good! Some of them are debut novels and others are not. 

In no particular order, my list begins with ...

* ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins

This is sooooo girly! Hahaha! I love the entire romance in this book! And I do love Étienne!

* HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover

I just finished this afternoon and it took a part of me. I won't ever forget this book! The chemistry between the main characters are so obvious I want to meet them personally (if that is possible)

* SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller

this appeared on my best stand-alone books list too! Until now, I am touched with the story of Harper and Travis.

* ALWAYS YOU by Kirsty Moseley

This is true love bound by long-time friendship and trust. I know Clay and Riley's story doesn't happen a lot in reality but I found this one really endearing. Falling in love with your best friend is never too easy, especially when you are risking not just the friendship but your entire future.

* FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

For starters, I was a mess after reading this. Believe it or not, until this very moment, I still haven't moved on with Hazel Ann and Augustus' tragic love story. This is John Green at his finest. 

* FORGET YOU by Jennifer Echols

Zoey forgets but not I. I read every single book Jennifer Echols written. So far, I loved this one. I am at a loss for words with this one. After Going too Far, I'm expecting so much from her but she proves me wrong every time. 

* THE THING ABOUT THE TRUTH by Lauren Barnholdt

Hot guy aside, this love-hate relationship between Isaac and Kelsey made me love the book. It involves high school drama, romance and betrayal. Very typical, ordinary so to say. But Lauren Barnhodlt's attack to the story is really really compelling. I got addicted to this. Once gripped, never put down.

* YOUNG LOVE MURDER by April Bookshire

Action-packed, full of romance. Annabelle is a trained assassin while Gabriel is a young hot senior. I am hooked with this because of the romance and action. The twist and turns of the story is a good point too!

THE ALCHEMY OF FOREVER by Avery Williams

This is not your ordinary story of love and immortality. I love the beginning of the story and the unexpected ending. Noah and Seraphina, together, they are a great pair! Love this and can't wait for the next book!

Last but definitely not the list,

ROMEO REDEEMED by Stacey Jay

Of all the different adaptations of the most tragic love story of all time, Stacey Jay's version is what I liked the most. Romeo, or Dylan in this version is one of my fictional crushes- which I will post later. Anyway, this novel brought out too many emotions to me. You will know my rants here in my review. 

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As much as I want to list all the books I've read this year, those books above have caught my interest and stayed on my mind until now. Honestly, once I've read a book, I might forget about it one or two days later. Worse, I might even forget the characters once I'm done reading it. I hope my list gives you the idea and even caught your interest. 

So, tell me what you're thinking. You can agree with me or yell at me by posting your comments below. I'd like to hear from you. I appreciate everything. :)

---A.

Next on my blog: 

* BOOKS I LOVED AFTER FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

* TOP TEN FICTIONAL CRUSHES OF 2012

To-be-Read Books

Maybe it's time to grip some books I own but never read. Some of them are given to me by the authors themselves. (Thank you! *hugs) Most of them, I bought through the net and book sale. Wait a sec, I shouldn't have said that. Oh well, paper.

Here's the list that I am talking about. I haven't given them much attention because I was too busy with my thesis paper and internship. Then I realized that I need to freshen up my mind.


1. ANNE EYRE by Summer Day

Oh I do love Jane Eyre! I hope this book gives me the same effect. 

2. FROST ARCH by Kate Bloomfield

Look at the cover! WOW! I mean, every Kate's book has amazing cover. Check out her page on Goodreads and you'll know what I mean!

3. OBSIDIAN by Jennifer Armentrout

Every time I visit my goodreads account, I envy those people who read this series. And the guy in the cover? GAAAAH, he's so drool-worthy I can't even! GAAA!

4. EVE by Anna Carey

This is not just another dystopian novel. 

5. EDEN by Keary Taylor

I love the cover! I hope the story won't disappoint me. *fingerstied

6. INTENDED FOR HARM by C.S. Lankin

7. THE BLAKE SOUL by I.C Camilleri

This book is intriguing! I'm glad that I have a time now to devour this.

8. NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer 

I'm into New Adult books lately. Maybe it is my age. Ugh, I'm getting older. Is it because I am leaving my teenage years? (cut it out!) Whatever! I think this book will turn my world again. Looking forward on reading this.

9. CINDER by Marissa Meyer 

It keeps on getting five-star reviews so I want to know why. :) Am I the only one who haven't read this yet?

10. THE BOYFRIEND THIEF by Shana Norris

What do you think? Do I need to say more?

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Tell me your thoughts! I'd like to hear from you! Bet I'll have an awesome year with these books! Geez, I don't even have to challenge myself in reading these. :)

---A. 

BEAUTIFUL DISASTER, A Review

BEAUTIFUL DISASTER by Jamie McGuire

SYNOPSIS

INTENSE. DANGEROUS. ADDICTIVE.

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

(Source: Goodreads.com)

MY THOUGHTS

This book has been resting in my shelves for months. Actually, it's been a year. I just didn't have the interest that time. I was hibernating with YA novels then. Beautiful Disaster has a target readers of ages sixteen and above(?) It falls under the New Adult genre which I only discovered about two months ago. Today, I have this thing about NA novels- I can't get enough of them!

Anyway, this is one of the novels that I opened and didn't know what to expect. I didn't know the synopsis or the plot. I just grabbed it and started reading because I saw high ratings on twitter. And so, I decided to become a hermit and folded myself between the pages of this book. My review contains no spoiler so feel free to read! 

When I finally did, I gripped the story and never let go. Okay, that was lame. Ha! The beginning of the book is really good but quite predictable. I loved the character development in the story. But when I hit on the 50%, I was bored and rested my mind with the lunacy of the major characters. I hated the twist and turns of Travis and Abby's relationship. From the beginning of their "Friendship" until the end, the conflicts and stupidity never ceased. And I always hate a book with that. 

The story gone through ups and downs, especially when the characters decided to take the relationship up a notch. The characters are so full of skins and layers. There were times when I wanted to stripped them out of their pretenses. Ugh, I am literally ripping my hair out now! Plus, is there a stupid person existing in this world  with a head as thick as Abby's? GAAAAAA! Why couldn't she understand how Travis felt for her? Is she really that stupid? *rolling my eyes

This book took out a lot of reaction from me. I am always a fan of tattoos-I want one myself but just couldn't. Going back, I liked Travis and his personality, sometimes. But most of the time, I wanted to kill him with a butter knife (Hello Peter- Divergent) He's so possessive and repulsive. I've felt like I'd just choke myself with my own belt than to be with the man. It annoyed me when he acted like a moron, kicking all the boys away from Abby. Oh, the trust issues! They fought, they made out. What is wrong with these two? *fanning myself ridiculously 

I mean, seriously?

Beyond my rants, I can definitely say that I liked the book. The ending fits the title of the story really well. Honestly, after finishing this novel, my mouth was on the floor, agape. Even now, I still can't believe that Jamie turned my view of the book from hating it to liking it. This is actually one of the books that you will either like or hate.

If you're asking me if I recommend it, hell yeah! :) YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! If you're looking for a steamy romance, well, this book is for you!

With this, I'm giving Beautiful Disaster three and a half apples. 

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT, YOU BETTER NOT CRY!

People keep on warning me about the "End of the World" on the 21st. And I keep on telling them that it isn't true. That's just an old cliche, prediction of some ethnic group from the old civilization. Dude, I believe in God and Christianity. The church doesn't preach about the so-called Apocalypse this December 21st. I mean, seriously? NO, THE WORLD COULDN'T END THIS DECEMBER because there are movies and books that are coming out next year. Apocalypse? I don't even want to think about it. My heart is hammering in my chest. My mind is shattered into thousand pieces. This is not happening. So I beg those people who scare the hell out of me. Ugh, frustrating.

My point? I am waiting forever for these movies to come out since 2012 doesn't satisfy me.

EXCITED!

Add to the list are the following adaptations of bestselling novels.

• CATCHING FIRE
• PERCY JACKSON AND THE SEA OF MONSTERS
• THE GREAT GATSBY
• ENDER'S GAME
• THE MAZE RUNNER (2014)
• DIVERGENT (2014)
• HOW I LIVE NOW

Of course, I have this thing about Tom Cruise's new movie. Oblivion. Watch the trailer here --> OBLIVION TRAILER

When I first saw this trailer, I was like ...

Tell me your thoughts. I want to have someone to talk to right now. :)))

---A.

Stand-Alone Books

I know I'm not the only one who feels lost and battered whenever a sequel of a favorite book comes out next season. I've been frustrated when a book leaves me hanging in the end. It's like having your nutella when you are diabetic. Ugh, so frustrating! But wait! You don't have to curl yourself into a ball in the corner of your room, grieving and moping! There are still living authors who care for their readers! *highfive

I make my list of stand-alone books in different genre (YA, NA, Fiction, Paranormal, Roamnce)

To top my listopia, here's ...

1. BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP by S.J Watson 

It did hold my interest from the first page and the author didn't allow me to put it down. This is a story of a woman who can't remember everything when she wakes up. And the story goes on and on ... Read it and you'll know what I am talking about!

2. SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller

Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

This is a great one. I love the drama and the turns of the story. I highly recommend this one, especially to those people whose members of the family are in the military service. 

3. BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham

This is a story of Tessa who has only five months to live.Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

I cried reading this. Okay, I am always an emotional wreck, nothing's new. But dang, this book, it's just. *sigh

4. EVERY DAY by David Levithan

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

I wonder how does it feel like waking up into different body each day. Different memories. Different norms. A KNOWS HOW. This is a unique love story. Tell me if you don't cry reading this. *oops! Spoiler! :)

5. ON DUBLIN STREET by Samantha Young

If you love Fifty Shades of Grey, you will love this more. A kick-a** woman, a swoon worthy man, combined with Samantha Young's experience as a writer, On Dublin Street is a steamy romantic novel for you. Give way to Braden Carmichael! *faints

*ADULT CONTENTS

6. ON THE ISLAND by Tracey Graves

                                                        

I haven't read the book but I feel like giving in. This book doesn't sound like my type but I want to read it anyway. It has great reviews in Goodreads so let's all check this out!

7. NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman

When Richard Mayhew stops one day to help a girl he finds bleeding on a London pavement, his life is forever altered, for he finds himself propelled into an alternative reality that exists in a subterranean labyrinth of sewer canals and abandoned subway stations. He has fallen through the cracks of reality and has landed somewhere different, somewhere that is Neverwhere.

8. GOING TOO FAR by Jennifer Echols

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Echols. I read everything she writes, like every single book. So, this book took me to a roller coaster ride and I am definitely recommending this to everyone! \

9. THE SKY IS EVERY WHERE by Jandy Nelson

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable. 

10. SOPHIE AND CARTER by Chelsea Fine 

While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they'll sit together on Sophie's front porch swing and escape from reality, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, will their friendship become something more? 

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You better snatch this list up and start reading. I am happy to hear from you! I am more than willing to share ideas with you guys. Can you give me something to read to? :)

---A

UPCOMING YA BOOKS 2013

Here's a list of Upcoming Young Adult Novels in 2013. There is an endless list of course, but I am posting books that caught my interest from the very beginning.

1. UNRAVEL ME by Tahereh Mafi (shatter me 2)

In this much awaited sequel to Tahereh MAfi's Shatter Me, Juliet Ferrars has escaped and now is free from The Reestablishment. She has to make decisions whether to use her powers to be part of the underground union called Omega Point. But Warner has still plans for her.

After reading Destroy Me, I can't wait to grab this book in the bookstore! I want to know more about Warner and Juliet's world. Sorry Adam, I am a solid Team Warner fan! :D








2. THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT by Veronica Rossi (Under te Never Sky 2)

In this heart-stopping sequel to Rossi's Under the Never Sky, Aria and Perry must go through tough challenges to make their love lasts forever. As they reunite, their love is threatened by the world. Can their love survive through the ever night? Fantasy and dystopian elements combined, Rossi has created an unforgettable world of love and adventure. 

3. REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver (Delirium 3) 

Requiem concludes the Delirium Trilogy. In this book, Lena has been transformed and is now a member of the Resistance. The third book is told by Lena and Hana. Oliver's dystopian world is full of impossibilities, where love is a disease and everyone should be cured out of it. I can't wait for this! 

4. GODDESS by Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed 3)

 It is the conclusion of Starcrossed trilogy. I pretty much love this book. I love how Angelini created a believable world from Greek Mythology. With a strong heroine torn between two swoon worthy guys, my palm is twitching with excitement. I want to know how they will end the war with the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus. I am Team Lucas, you know. Though Orion is a great guy! :*

5. THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF TOMORROW by Avery Williams

This is another love story to watch out for! I love how Avery created her story of immortality with a twist. In this book, Seraphina (Keiley) must protect her life and her love's life (Noah) from her former lover and creator Cyrus. But Cyrus won't stop until she comes back to him. And I will never stop until this book comes out!

6. SEVER by Lauren DeStefano (Chemical Garden 3)

Time is running out for Rhine Ellery in this conclusion to the Chemical Garden Trilogy! This book intrigued me. I loved the plot. This dystopian novel is very original. Rhine's enemy is not the government but a disease that kills girls when they turn 2o and boys in 25. I am very much curious of how DeStefano solves the mystery and cures the people. Much of all, I want to know Linden Ashby more!

7. THE GODDESS INHERITANCE by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test 3)

Ever since the Starcrossed Trilogy (Percy Jackson of course!) I gained interest in greek mythology renditions. Goddess Inheritance is another concluding novel to be looked out for. Kate Winters is a beautiful character, modern-day Persephone. In this book, she has to make a choice that might destroy her world, Henry's life and even everything she has. 

8. HYSTERIA by Megan Miranda 

After stabbing and killing her boyfriend, sixteen-year-old Mallory, who has no memory of the event, is sent away to a boarding school to escape the gossip and threats, but someone or something is following her.

I read Fracture by Megan Miranda and I can't wait another year for her next piece.

9. CLOCKWORK PRINCESS by Cassanda Clare (Infernal Devices 3)

 Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.
This is one of the books I can't wait to devour next year! I love the adventures of Tessa with Will and Jem. As much as I love The Mortal Instruments, I wish they could make movie adaptations of this trilogy too! 

10. DIVERGENT THREE by Veronica Roth

The intensity and hype begins. The third book that concludes the Divergent Trilogy of Veronica Roth has not been titled yet. Or they don't want us to know yet. The dystopian novel is being made into film with Shailene Woodly as Tris Prior. I can't wait for the third book. I can't wait for the casting news to reveal who will play Tobias in the movie. Oh drat! All the excitement!



If you're looking for more books, just click this link ---> BOOKS


---A.