Short and Simple: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Click the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This was a really great Beauty and the Beast retelling! Gorgeous writing as always.

Throughout the story, I found myself making comparisons to Heir of Fire (as I had just read it and LOVED it) and that kind of made my experience less enjoyable. I kind of expected more fantasy but instead got more romance (which I was perfectly fine with! It fills in the missing romance from the TOG series haha.). However, I found the two main personalities similar to Celaena and Rowan and a lot of the Fae facts/fantasy so similar that it kind of had me cringing (the mating, iron, shapeshifting)... I kind of wish Maas kind of ventured beyond the Fae world that she is so comfortable with.

HOWEVER, the story is great! The first half of the book went a little slow but that was to build up the romance and the second half passed in a flash with all of the action- I was pleased. And the ending!!! I am SO pleased with it- I absolutely don't need a sequel to ruin it haha. I'm thinking Maas will do another retelling centering on different characters in the same world...?

Overall, really great! I had really high expectations after TOG and she didn't disappoint!

xx Jennifer

(Happy Fourth of July, guys!)

A Heartwrenching Review of Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Click the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

First off, before you guys read my review, I highly encourage you all to read the synopsis of this book in order to understand what I'll be talking about.

This book is about an incestuous relationship that develops between two siblings. Their love for each other stems from being neglected by a wayward, alcoholic mother thus having to raise their other three siblings by themselves. Their promotion to parental figures, in my eyes, cause them to love each other like a mother would for a father. 

Tabitha Suzuma's writing is gorgeous and effortless. It doesn't try to embellish anything but accurately relays what is necessary for the reader to understand what goes on behind Lochan's and Maya's minds as they progress in their forbidden relationship. Suzuma honestly made the progression of their romance real and natural. It seemed like it couldn't have not gone in that direction.

Of course, this book made me reevaluate what my views were of incest- something that rarely, if ever, crosses my minds. I have the same view when I first started reading it to having finished it- I think that although it should be accepted, the couple shouldn't be allowed to reproduce and no PDA. But of course, I feel similarly about gay relationships and even straight relationships (in terms of PDA). I think this book just made me understand incest more and be more tolerant/accepting. 

There's no doubt that this book left me questioning my relationships with my relatives. I think we all have those moments where we look at a relative and think "wow they're hot" or "wow they're so nice and caring" but we never cross that societal boundary and make a move on that. I am just THANKFUL I am an only child so I don't have to face any troubling thoughts after finishing the book.

Onto the story. It was SO good; I think Tabitha Suzuma portrayed the alcoholic mother and the effects of being raised by an alcoholic parent well- it affects so many people around the world. The family of 5 that they had was so heartwarming and real; they all became my little siblings. Each little detail about their individual habits (like Lochan's sore on his lip) and chores just made the tale vividly real and honest. 

But the END! GAH, the last couple of chapters were absolutely brutal. I cried and then sobbed at the ending (I type this as my tears dry and harden on my cheeks). It's such an agonizing ending but so fitting for this story. Any book that can leave me feeling this emotionally drained is AMAZING. This ending was nothing less than amazing.

A review I recommend y'all read is this one: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/120724743?book_show_action=false 

It's super funny and relatable!

I'm going to go calm my nerves down now and numb myself of all emotions. I'll be back with a review of A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Until then,

Jennifer xx

Short and Simple: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Click the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

The Winner's Crime - Marie Rutkoski

I think this book had the same impression on me as the first. It was good yet it left me feeling a little empty and disconnected inside.

The story was great and all but I wish it was easier to connect to the characters. And I felt the book for the most didn't progress at all until the very end... I grew impatient very easily. And I am the WORST about misunderstandings and this book was full of them and the main characters would never talk to each other. It irritated the heck out of me. Even if I understand why.

The book lacked something... but I can't quite pinpoint it. Despite it all, I still think it was a good read that will please those who enjoyed the first book!

xx Jennifer

Short and Simple: The Heir by Kiera Cass

Click the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

The Heir - Kiera Cass

Honestly, going into this book, I had low expectations. I had little idea of what I was getting into when I expected this series to be a trilogy- not that I'm complaining. But it was such a great guilty pleasure- the romance was really sweet! I did not expect this to be a deep book with a ton of dystopia and it definitely wasn't but it delivered on what we all expect from this series- cuteness, romance, and drama. I love a lot of the guys but the only thing that really irritated me was Eadlyn. SHE IS SUCH A SPOILED BRAT. I understand that Kiera Cass was probably trying to portray her as flawed and over the course of the next two books, she's going to have Eadlyn undergo a character development that will make her manageable but for now, I couldn't STAND her until the very end of the book. I have an addiction to Bachelor/Bachelorette and this definitely filled that void. I'm eager for the sequel just because now the guys have my heart much like Kaitlyn Bristowe's contestants this season have mine. xx Jennifer

Review of P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Click on the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

P.S. I Still Love You - Jenny Han

I can't decide between 3 to 4 stars, so I gave it 3 based on the ending.

It honestly pains me to give it that low of a rating. I had such HIGH expectations for this book because To All the Boys I've Loved Before killed me. It was SO good and I went in all Team Peter.

Oh, how things changed.

The book missed its little sparkle that is Jenny Han's signature. I feel like a lot of really cute moments were glossed over and not really treasured- whether it be with Kitty, Peter, or John. I wish she could have expanded more on those moments. Don't even get me started on that ending. The resolution was WAY too quick and I was left extremely dissatisfied- more on that later.

The writing was nice although I felt at times, Lara Jean sounded like a middle schooler until Jenny Han brought up she was a junior. As a junior going on senior, I can confidently say that we do not talk like that. But that was only for the first half of the book; then she began talking like a normal teenager. I related to Lara Jean A LOT in terms of her idealistic goals (for the retirement home, for parties) and her love for love. As a teenager, I would say most of us are in love with love and I definitely pine for a lot of guys like she does. I loved the sweet moments between her and Kitty and her family. And Stormy. And John.

That brings on the love square. It was the basis of the entire story and I was SO FRUSTRATED. Yes, Peter and Lara Jean were totally cute together. But I think their relationship was kinda veering off track due to Lara Jean's jealousy of Gene and the fact that it was TOTALLY justified! I know many say that it's just a trademark of Peter (his confident, arrogant self that many adore) but it irked me the wrong way how much he cared for Gene and put her before Lara Jean. It felt so unfair. And in the end... SPOILER: (when she pinned the blame on herself for being jealous, I was so MAD! She shouldn't have had to apologize. I wish Peter acknowledged his part in it) END OF SPOILER I got even more put off by the ripped-off poem and his taking back the necklace. I wasn't pleased with Peter and felt like he wasn't putting enough into the relationship... As for John, I immediately shipped Lara Jean with John. They have so much in common (unlike she and Peter a lot of the time) and both liked each other. What more not to like? He treats her so well and prioritizes her. And makes time for her. I just wish we got to see more John. I am upset that Jenny Han used John like a plot device even though I took him so seriously. UGH I WISH JOHN HAD A CHANCE. :(

That ending still has me upset and scratching my head. I just wish the ending was different. :/

xx Jennifer

Review of Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Click on the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

Heir of Fire - Sarah J. Maas

Honestly, if I could, I would shower a billion stars on this book. It was THAT good. HoF is definitely up there now in my favorite books, if not my absolute favorite.

I genuinely think Sarah J. Maas' writing gets better with each book she writes. I started Throne of Glass enjoying it while finding it quite similar to the other books in YA these days. Crown of Midnight delightedly surprised me as more elements of fantasy were woven into the story and it concentrated less on the romance and more of the world of TOG. And now, Heir of Fire. It was near perfection- everything I would want in a book.

THE FANTASY. This aspect of the book I definitely enjoyed very much. It was mainly in Celaena's and Manon's perspectives, thus the two that I most eagerly devoured. I just found all the tales fascinating and while more details kept piling up, it never became convoluted because each twist made sense- fit like a missing puzzle piece. The foreign creatures- the wyverns, the skinwalkers, and the Valg- were just so fascinating and added to the intrigue of the story as well as being formidable enemies of Celaena.

THE WORLD. Maas did so much worldbuilding in this book. With each book in the series, the world is opened tenfold more. I think that was what ToG lacked- the story only focused on just the court of Adarlan. It lacked... authenticity (for lack of a better word) for such an issue to only be focused within a castle was unrealistic and in this book, you could truly see the far reaches of the issue and how complex the King's plans were. You could see all of the lands and people that were affected and the obstacles Celaena must face to conquer back her land and annihilate the King. I admit, all of the different lands and territories confused the heck out of me but it totally fit. I look forward to more.

THE STORY. was. overwhelming. So much happened in those 560+ pages. THOSE TWISTS AND TURNS. Each character went through so much and honestly I don't know how half of them managed to survive the book. I think I would have died 10 pages in (I doubt even that long.) I really appreciated that Sarah wasn't afraid to throw her main characters in hell. It seemed more real to me, to see them face such adversity- it makes the triumph all the more greater in the end. It was a really powerful, emotional story that delivered a powerful message of strength and acceptance. Oh, and I cried about four times. four. THE END THOUGH. MORE ON THAT LATER.

THE WRITING. It was absolutely beautiful. I haven't read such amazing writing in a long while. Everything was original and flowed together perfectly. It was really beautiful. I don't know how many times I have to repeat that to get it across. Like, I would read and just stare in awe at the writing. She shifted between different POV's seamlessly and you could really see each unique personality.

THE CHARACTERS. After CoM, I was concerned because there were too few characters to carry a rich, developed sequel. Luckily, she introduced a crapload of new characters and I loved every. single. one.

Celaena: HER GROWTH. She developed so much as she learned to accept her Fae side. I feel like she went in as a bratty, arrogant girl and came out a mature, confident woman. She learned so much more about herself and grew into Aelin. Her friendship and bond with Rowan really strengthened that. I do wish she didn't blame herself SO MUCH for the death of her loved ones throughout the book- I understand it was necessary for the plot but it seemed to drag on and on. But of course, that's Celaena's nature to care. I'm just grateful that by the end, she possessed more self-control. AND IS READY TO TAKE DOWN THE KING OF ADARLAN. AND MAEVE.

Rowan: After finishing CoM, I read the reviews of HoF and everyone was Team Rowan. I went into HoF very hesitant because I was all for Team Chaol but I knew inside I would convert. And I did. So hard. His soul just complements Aelin's perfectly- even his power of ice and wind fits! He knows when and how to reel her in and he just understands her past struggles perfectly because he's gone through similar ones. I was kind of hesitant because he was centuries old but their maturity seemed on par with each other by the end. They just FIT. They are so comfortable together- there are no secrets and they trust each other completely. He knocked it out of the water. #TeamRowan

Chaol: I still love him. He really struggled to see where his priorities were. And it was completely understandable. He spent his entire life loyal to the King just to see the world flip upside down; he definitely needed time to think and grow in order to make such a big decision. And I really respect his decision to send Celaena away to protect her. And I even further respect his final decision at the end of the book. Throughout the book, I really doubted that he could ever end up with Celaena because of his inability to accept her for her and I still do doubt it but his decision spoke volumes and I do definitely see the potential for their relationship to grow again. Or just as easily to end in friendship. I'm just really satisfied with his character arc and I'm excited to see where he goes. Also, #bromancegoals (w/ Dorian) - they really pulled through in the end :')

Dorian: Oh, how I tired of him in CoM!! Having him have Sorscha there to depend on was so great because he stopped whining (haha, I'm joking... sorta)!! He really matured and became a true king in the end. It hurt to see the rift between Chaol and him for three fourths of the book but I think it really allowed him to concentrate on what mattered. His final sacrifice for Chaol just broke me. Boy to man. I am NOT excited to see what's in store for him in the next book... He had to deal with so much at the end and then that final *thing* happened. I'm shaking my head right now. And also, I just don't ship him with Celaena- I just don't see it. Maybe I will in the future... But I think they are great friends and allies. (Also I don't get the hate on Sorscha- she did nothing wrong... she was really supportive of him and his decisions and so trustworthy!)

Manon: AH SHE IS SO FEISTY. She honestly scared me when I first met on her but she really grew on me. I am confident she has a soul- she showed a lot of bravery in saving her rival. She and Abraxos are #goals. I mean she is apparently an enemy but honestly I think she will band with Aelin after witnessing the king's atrocities... I mean Sarah J. Maas hinted at her empathy. I have hope. But for now, I'll leave it at that she is such a badass. I need MORE.

Aedion: UGH HE'S SO LOYAL. I LOVE HIM. His fealty of Aelin is really amazing that it endured this long. He really has a lot of depth to him and I am so eager to know more about him. His sacrifice for Chaol/Dorian/Celaena AHH. Is it okay to also ship him with Celaena? Because I see it. I really do.

THE ROMANCE: Honestly not a lot of it in this book. I was hoping for more but I think in the end, the book deserved to not be overwrought with it in order for the fantasy to shine. I ship her with Rowan and Aedion so much but my heart breaks for Chaol because he was my #1 bae and I think he'll be really wrecked when/if she ends things with him officially.

This is Jennifer signing off now. xx

Summer 2014

This blog, I've realized, has become a personal diary that I can use to reflect on later in life. So much has happened this summer and it's truly exciting.

Event wise: I've been to Lake Charles, Louisiana, Pensacola, Florida, and HOBY and I'm also taking Scholars, Testmasters, and Sear's driver's ed. This might sound like the most boring summer ever but hey, at least I wasn't wasting my time at home. :)

Book wise: I've read quite a few so check out my goodreads site for more info!

Now let's focus on me me me and my emotions. (What a narcissist!) As you all know, I've been doing Blogilates. This July celebrates the one year anniversary of my doing it. (I honestly don't remember when I started.) I do wish I had taken before and after shots so I can fully see the change. This past week, I felt something I never thought I would. I felt completely happy and comfortable in my body, thanks to Cassey. I never quite loved my body- it just wouldn't look the way I wanted it it to. And although I am far from my ideal body, I 100% love and appreciate my body. So incredibly thankful, I am counting my blessings. This finding has allowed me to not be so harsh with myself when I don't do a scheduled workout or eat too many ice creams; I know my body deserves and you really do only live once. This inner peace I've found has changed me. I honestly feel like I've been looking prettier- maybe it's just my perception now that I'm changed, I don't know. :)

Today, I took a practice PSAT and made a lower score than before, which was disappointing, but it has really motivated me to study. Junior year of high school is coming up which means SAT, SAT, SAT. Ah, the stress (not really). So I've been (or I will) studying for that........... Getting ready for a lot of disappointment :))))))

K-dramas: I'M ADDICTED!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. NO WORDS.

Random loves: Chobani yogurt. Sia's new album. Clyde from Driver's Ed.

"Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Much love,
Jennifer

Short and Simple: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Click on the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before - Jenny Han

After eyeing this book for months, I finally read it and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I've been an avid fan of Jenny Han's contemporaries for so long- with Shug and The Summer I Turned Pretty, I was hooked! Burn for Burn was a bit of a disappointment but she definitely came back with this one! I can go on and on about what I love. I truly became attached to the narrator and her family. Everything was realistic and just screamed Jenny Han. I had no clue the love interest was Peter; I assumed it would be Josh but after reading halfway, I found myself falling for Peter and I was thinking, "Oh no, I have second lead syndrome. Story of my life," but trick was on her (actually still me) because Peter was the main lead! Peter was adorable and just AMAZING. I loved his faults and how this isn't a typical love story. Josh could have been more developed; I felt nothing much with him, but I understand why he played such a small role. I am SO excited for the sequel where we get to explore another boy from her letters~ I can't wait!

FIVE STARS!

Side note: When someone would interrupt me while I was reading, I would just exclaim, "THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD, OH MY GOSH." You can ask my mom; she can verify it.

Love you lots,
Jennifer

Life Update

It has been ELEVEN MONTHS since I last posted- OH MY GOSH. I have a lot to tell you.

I have definitely been reading less because I don't feel the same enjoyment that I used to from it which really saddens me. On the slightly upside, I've delved more into the world of k-dramas (although ironically as I mention this, I am on a hiatus). High school has brought with it a lot more maturity and a lot more friends I can rely upon and it's great. Making new friendships and strengthening old bonds are such amazing feelings. But, since last summer, I've been on a journey... to find the better me.

That summer, I found 'Blogilates' on YouTube. Don't know what that is? Search it on YouTube right now. It's a pilates channel run by Cassey Ho where she has a BUNCH of insane workouts. But the thing that separates her from the rest is her personality. She brings such life and joy wherever she goes, and she inspired me to start working out. I've always been skinny (except w/ a mini belly, haha) and have always been told to eat more. I admit, I workout to tone my body, so I can see my abs, quads, triceps, etc. But in the end of the day, it's so I can be healthier. I have a strict workout regiment now, all because of her, and I see crazy changes in every aspect of my life. I have also been eating healthier which means cutting out unnecessary carbs and grease (which is difficult because rice is present in every meal!) And, I have been trying to view life with a positive attitude and to turn my can'ts into cans. I try to be a better me and take on new challenges every day. It's scary, but it's the best feeling I could ever hope for.

I hope you guys discover something like Blogilates, that just lifts you off your feet and opens your eyes to numerous possibilities, unless you have already found it. I have definitely grown as a person, I've become stronger, and at the same time, more susceptible and open. So much has changed in a year, which excites me. I can't wait to see what comes next.

*mwah* Lots of love,
Jennifer

I'm Back!

This blog post could reach 0 to millions of people. I don't know. But anyways...

I'M BACK! WOO! And I'm here to talk to y'all about everything from books to school to fashion to movies.

First off, I'm really getting back into reading. As you all may know, high school can be very overwhelming, especially with the heavy workload (English is killing me, can you believe that?!) but I'm beginning to gain footing again. I'm in Student Council (woop, woop!) and hope to become an officer. *pray for me please* School isn't too bad, especially with the guys... ;) Haha jk, they're not that interesting to be fair. I'm going off onto a tangent!

Currently, I'm reading Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout but before, I finished The Lying Game's latest book and Through the Ever Night which were both good (Through the Ever Night ROCKED THOUGH, GO READ IT) and on April 20th is Houston's TeenBookCon which I'm very eager to go to! If any of y'all are in Houston and going, come chat with me! I'm the Asian.... well, just look at my profile pic. Go to teenbookcon.org everyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about. 40+ authors and comic book artists will be there talking about their latest releases, eep!

And last night, I just saw the Host. Oh my gosh, it was good, although more conflict, less kissing would have been nice. Jake Abetyl (I mauled his name, I know, FORGIVE ME JAKE!) was freaking amazing as Ian. Jared's character didn't strike a chord with me, although I know Max Irons is <3. And the girl was freaking lucky, getting to kiss both of them. But anyway, I wikipedia-ed them and saw she was cast for roles in The Ender's Game and Why We Broke Up which got me to thinking about the overwhelming number of Book to Movie Adaptations... is it a trend? But anyway, the Vampire Academy movie has me so freaking pumped and Zoey Deutch is bulking up for Rose which has me so excited. No actor chosed for Adrian yet and they better choose correctly or else! (Douglas Booth <3) But Delirium's Alex and Julian are just *swoon* (Daren Kagasoff and Gregg Sulkin. Google them; love them.) But anyway, I fully support these adaptations but at the same time it's really overwhelming and just sigh. If only there was a Daughter of Smoke and Bone one! That would make for a great franchise- good prediction right there, producers looking for the next material. And I heard Douglas Booth is Romeo in the upcoming R&J. WHAT? YES!

And guise, pastel nails are the thing right now. And the mint colors out there are perfect for spring. I'm dying to get my hands on one of the colors, but I'm too busy to shop right now.

That's it for the update. I love you guys, the ones who have stuck with me. I promise for more frequent updates that are actually useful. But for now, check my goodreads for updates!
Jennifer xx

High School... was not what I was expecting.

Sooo... I'm a freshman now! High school kind of sucks to be honest. :/ And I'm not as busy as I thought I would be so I might possibly retract what I said earlier about quitting blogging... we'll see ;)

And I'm already reading Great Expectations! If you read it, what do you think about it? Tell me below in the comments!

Heart,
Jen :)

Bye for Now! :D

So, I barely start blogging and already I'm stopping. Shame on me, right?! I just got back from a vacation to San Jose (it was awesome, if you wanted to know) and I'm back in Texas with my A/C broken. And Texas' temperatures usually reach over 100 degrees... 
After getting all of that fixed, SCHOOL STARTS! Yes, the dreaded school. What's worse is that I'm going into my freshman year (I'm a little fishy!) so A LOT of work ahead of me... eep! 
This little blog will be temporarily closed for now until I get the time and energy to start blogging again! The little vacation I had made me reevaluate my life and I'm not so sure it's healthy to be behind the computer 24/7...

Love you all <3 nbsp="">
Jennifer :)

P.S. Any advice for a fishy? Any? :) Or if you're in high school and are a blogger, HOW DO YOU MANAGE IT?! 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Indigo Spell

*Click on the meme button to know more about Waiting on Wednesday!*

So this week, I am CLIMBING THE WALLS for the Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead! Ah, the ending of the Golden Lily was just heart-wrenching and a cruel cliffhanger. Why must Richelle Mead do this to us?!

*Click on the cover to be directed to the Goodreads page and synopsis!*

Luckily, Richelle Mead released the first chapter of The Indigo Spell! Click here to go to the site! Also, she released a couple of quotes because Adrian won the YA Crush Tourney (Ah, I was advocating for him like crazy on Twitter!) Check out the quotes over at Richelle Mead's blog: http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/293284.html Make sure to follow her too!

So what are you waiting for? Link me up, baby! :)

Heart,

Jennifer

The Golden Lily Review

Click on the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

The Golden Lily - Richelle Mead

Well... this book was slightly disappointing, I must say. I'll be brutally honest- not much happened. To be honest, if so many people hadn't pointed that out, I probably would've missed it. Watching Sydney's interactions with the other characters that I had grown to love, including Adrian (he totally deserves a special mention) was enrapturing and truly interesting yet more action really would have rounded out the whole book. But...

I loved Sydney. She's like me in so many ways. Seriously. She sticks to her beliefs and is scared to let them go, to risk the thought that maybe, just maybe, her beliefs are morally wrong. She is such an interesting character to read about and in some ways, she reminds me of myself. Her social awkwardness is equivalent to mine, or perhaps even less! (That's truly sad on my part.) In some situations, her naivety annoyed me but the more I thought about it, it was actually quite reasonable. Even the smartest person in the world might not understand when someone is asking them out. (Ahem. Totally not me. No way. Psh...)

Adrian is also another character I love! If you don't know, he's my book boyfriend. I'm not joking. I created a T-shirt just for him. I'm totally fine with being Mrs. Ivashkov. It has a nice ring to it! Anyway, in this book, you got to see the softer sides to him that you did not get to see in the VA series nor Bloodlines! I loved seeing him open up and he truly just pulled at my heartstrings. Especially because of how much he cared for Sydney. So, so sweet.

I feel the need to mention the whole Jill x Eddie x Angeline situation. I am a little frustrated with Jill but I won't reveal anymore. *lips sealed*

*lips unsealed* Aha, anyway, the romance in this book was awkward. Not because of Adrian (no way!) but because of Brayden. Ugh. What a jerk. What an asshole. What a bum. I mean each of my words. (I don't cuss unless necessary!) He reaches a whole new level of arrogance and I just wanted to slap him until all of cockiness disappeared! Sigh. Sydney sucks with guys which made me want to pull all of my hair out!

Writing was brilliant as always and the dialogue was so realistic and smooth. I was sucked into the story throughout. But the plot. The plot, the plot, the plot. It had no direction really and there was zilch action. Whatever action there was, it lasted pretty much a page or even two paragraphs. I understand Sydney is a little boring but SOMETHING should happen throughout 400 pages! Seriously! The story honestly had not progressed at all. This was such an eye-opener for me. Have her other books have zero action? Was it only The Golden Lily? My lapse of judgement has dazed me, as you can tell.

Ending this on a cheerier note, despite its lack of action, The Golden Lily truly makes up for it with its amazing character development and interactions that are so incredible to witness... I mean read about. :) You should totally read it. For Adrian. Seriously. You won't regret Adrian. *swoon*

~Two memes coming soon, guys!~

Heart,
Jennifer :)

Did Adrian win/lose in the YA Crush Tourney?

Adrian...

WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoever voted him, thank you so much! Each vote really did count. We gained over 500 votes in 45 minutes (and we were losing!)!! Richelle Mead is releasing quotes because of this fabulous win <3 nbsp="">

Anyway, I will be releasing my Golden Lily review soon as well as that meme I was hinting about! And guys, if you can, please spread word of this blog to others, it would mean the world <3 br="" nbsp="">
Heart,
Jennifer :)

YA Crush Tourney FINAL!!!

OKAY ADRIAN MADE IT INTO THE FINALS AND IT WASN'T FOR NOTHING. GO VOTE FOR HIM NOW HERE: http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/2012/08/grand-finale-will-1-vs-adrian-2.html
Vote on all internet browsers, laptops, computers, phones, Wii's, tablets, Kindles, devices that can connect to the internet, EVERYTHING, GODDARNIT!
Please spread the word too- friends, family members, strangers, etc!
Adrian is losing by about 1000 votes. That's A LOT. Please vote!!!

Heart,
Jennifer :)

Short and Simple: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

*Click on the book cover to be redirected to the synopsis, as always!*

My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick

This book is one of the best YA contemporaries I've ever read. A refreshing romance between two likable characters that are easy to relate to! They had one of the sweetest relationships ever, of course with bumps down the road, but they manage to get past that, thank god! It's a really moving book that will put more things into perspective. I'm giving this 4.5 stars, partly because the ending didn't provide enough closure with Nan, Clay, and her mom but it was a sweet ending so that's good enough! :)

#YACrushTourney ~ #TeamVA

Well guys, unless you've been on a remote island for the past month, you should know about the YA Crush Tourney over at YA Sisterhood! Well today, Adrian is up against Patch and Dimitri is against Daemon! Ah, Patch and Daemon are both very difficult competitors to deal with!
SO I NEED YOUR HELP. Head over to http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com and go vote for Adrian and Dimitri in their matches now! They need your help! We need to show the YA world who's boss! ^_^
And if you need more convincing, just read what their advocates are saying about them. It's sure to make you swoon! And... a little teaser from the Indigo Spell will be released if Adrian and Dimitri win their rounds! (I believe...)
Plus (I know this is kind of unfair), it's my birthday today! Woo! I'm turning 14 today and... nothing exciting has happened yet. But if Adrian & Dimitri win, I'd be the happiest girl in the world! So head over to YA Sisterhood and vote for #TeamVA! Or just #TeamAdrian because he's my book boyfriend... ;)

*Click on Adrian to be redirected to his match!*

GO VOTE NOW PEOPLE. SHOO. 

Heart,
Jennifer :)

Anxiously Awaiting... (1)

So... I bet you're wondering... what is that now, Jennifer? I guess most people would say that it's a meme. And I guess it could be considered as that! Whenever I feel like it, I'll just do an "Anxiously Awaiting" post to feature a book that I'm going crazy for! These books have made me bounce off the walls and my friends sick of its name being mentioned 24/7! I apologize for that crappy picture. I understand copyright laws so I photographed that little background (Taking pics yourself doubles your awesomeness, I believe!).

Enough of that, let's head onto my featured book for today! That would have to be...

*As always, the book cover is linked to its GoodReads page!*

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor! It's the sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone which is my absolute favorite of all time! Its scheduled release date was originally in September but then got pushed back to November. Jennifer not happy. >:( But I'm sure that means this book is more epic than the first!! Here's a SHORT synopsis about it...

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

I have to say... that's a bunch of words that overall says nothing, and I mean NOTHING about the book. Vague, much? How will I survive until its release date- November 6, 2012?!

Heart,
Jennifer (:

Tiger Lily Review

Click on the book to be redirected to the Goodreads page.

Tiger Lily - Jodi Lynn Anderson

Oh my goodness, this book was incredible. Stunning. I am in awe of Jodi Lynn Anderson. I BOW DOWN TO YOU. This retelling of Peter Pan was incredible and just pierced my heart and will forever stay with me. It teaches a great lesson that most people need to learn. And the love story is heartwarming although tragic towards the end.

This tale is told in Tinker Bell's perspective about Tiger Lily's little story with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. At first, it annoyed me a little that I couldn't just be in Tiger Lily's head and understand her without a third voice butting in, but as the story continued, Tiger Lily's and Tinker Bell's personalities really grew and each became their own person. Tink is mute and is only an observer of all of this which could be rough at times. But, it gave the story more of a third person point of view which was fabulous. Tink is such an amazing spirit and I loved her little thoughts about everything.

Tiger Lily is a girl of very, very few words. As a reader, it was hard to emotionally connect to her in the beginning and even the middle. I could never know what she was really thinking despite Tink's thought-reading narration and Tiger Lily was so unpredictable. She definitely had a wall up and had an air of mystery. It made it more unbelievable that Peter fell in love with her. (I can see it now, how Peter's curiosity drew him to her) Towards the end of the middle, I grew to love her. 

Tik Tok was an awesome father and it's a shame what happened to him. Despite his cross-dressing, he was one of the best villagers in the tribe.

Peter was as charming as ever! I fell in love with his fun spirit, along with Tink and Tiger Lily. He was such an amazing leader and one of the best hunters. He also had a really good potential of being a father. He wanted more than he got, unfortunately.

This story was incredible. The plot was very intricate and I loved the plot twists! It is such a touching story and experience. An incredible journey. Although this is a retelling, it was still quite unpredictable and a particular death really saddened me. The romance in this book is really cute and a little quick actually! It was a really good love story though, all of their feelings described in the tiny motions (like lingering eyes...). Of course, Wendy comes into the story so this love story had a heartbreaking end.

THE ENDING. Oh my goodness. As you can see from above, it was heartbreaking. Worst break-up ever. I had fallen in love with Peter at some point in this book and it just crushed me- what happened at the end. I cried TWICE during this book. That's... amazing. The ability for a book to make you cry is a gift that few authors are able to do. Just... incredible despite its few flaws. People, go read this NOW!

4.5 stars!

Heart,
Jennifer (:

*Coming up next is My Life Next Door review! Keep your eyes peeled for that! :)*