Optimistic October Releases~

It's another month already~

October is my busiest month yet.

And books are coming like crazy. :D

There are soo many coming out this month..

I just can't~

Lemme introduce them to you. :)

The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5)

by Rick Riordan

Release Date: October 7th, 2014

Thoughts: It's the last book in the series! I feel like I've grown up with Percy Jackson or something. Although the series get crazier and bigger each time, I'm still happy to continue reading. But I kind of hope it stops here. I mean, yeah, I WANT MORE PERCY. But Percy's gotta grow up and live his life like a normal human being. 

AAANND. Rick Riordan's writing a new Norse series!!!! Yaaass. I'm checking that out~

The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)

by Marie Lu

Release Date: October 7th, 2014

Thoughts: Omgomgomg. It's coming out already? I swear it was just yesterday I was wondering about the release date. I thought it comes out 2015 or something! Obviously I haven't been keeping up since there's a whole bunch of blog posts and giveaways for this. OMG. I CAN'T. I JUST CAN'T. I'm so excited to read this! I'll be so juiced when it gets into my hands. HAHAH. :)

In the Afterlight (The Darkest Minds #3)
by Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: October 28th, 2014

Thoughts: And here it is! The last installment of The Darkest Minds. OMG. I absolutely loved the first book! And I've been waiting so long, I might need to reread the series all over again to get all those feels again. :) 

Ruby and Liam though. They need to be together. And then there's Cole. I dunno. I really need to reread the series again. Haha. 

Snow Like Ashes (Snow like Ashes #1)

by Sara Raasch

Release Date: October 14th, 2014

Thoughts: I've been seeing this book around so much. And now that I read the summary, I definitely want to read it! Like OMG YAAAAS. High Fantasy. Warrior girl. Best friend love interest. What else could I ask for? I hope the writing really lives up to its synopsis! 

The one and only problem I have so far is the love interest's name: Mather. Really? Mather? I think it could have been hotter. But maybe there's a hidden meaning or he has a special name....:)

Talon (Talon #1)

by Julie Kagawa

Release Date: October 28th, 2014

Thoughts: I mean, it's Julie Kagawa. I read a preview of the book and it seemed like a fun book to read. Although I was looking to some romance but I don't see any....yet. Anyways. This book is about dragons. That can be humans. And dragon hunters. 

Either way, I might check this one out if I have time, because I'm not really into dragons. But maybe this can change my mind. :D

Black Ice

by Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 7th, 2014

Thoughts: Haven't checked this book out yet, but it seems like it's a standalone.....woah. This is more like a suspense, yet hints of romance. And all those grim blizzards and murders. It seems like it would belong in my English textbook. Not that it's a bad thing. Lately, I been reading so much about deaths like Into the Thin Air and Of Clay We Are Created. 

Hmmm. Maybe I'll check this out. Just to see which boys she ends up with. :) 

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

by Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, and more...

Release Date: October 14th, 2014

Thoughts: Omgomgomg. It's like my favorite authors all in one! Especially Stephanie Perkins! I can't get enough of her awesome characters and romances. Anna and Etienne. <3. 

And it's the holidays already!!! Times go by so fast. *tears. I don't even know why I'm so emotional, but it's just those warm-flutter feelings of the holiday. :)

Atlantia

by Ally Condie

Release Date: October 28th, 2014

Thoughts: This sounds like an interesting book to read. :) And that's a lovely cover there. I think she's a siren. Because there's no mention of mermaids and they live underwater...

I'll definitely check this one out. :) 

Remake 

by Ilima Todd

Release Date: October 14th, 2014

Thoughts: Since I'm doing a blog tour for Remake, I might as well do some early promotion. It is actually a book worth reading if you have some time~ If you like dystopian and just a random book to enjoy, here's one for you~ :) 

Well. There's a lot more books coming out this month, but here are the lovely mentions. 

What are the books you're waiting for to come out this month?

Book Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3)
by Stephanie Perkins
Release Date: August 14th, 2014
Publisher: Dutton
Hardcover, 339 pages
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Grab a Copy:
      Amazon | B&N | Audible

Goodreads Summary: From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Cindy's Review: 

At A Glance/The Cover:

These covers are really nice. I love the skylines. And the colors. :) 

I couldn't wait for Isla to come out! Plus, I heard Josh was such a sweetheart. :D I was totally prepared to fall for Josh.

The Characters/My Opinions:

Isla - Isla is pronounced Eye-la. Since she introduced herself, I really couldn't stop calling her that. Because it sounds so unique. Isla is a quiet, shy girl. She had a crush on Josh for 3 years, and finally, she's got a chance. 

Even though she may seem innocent or shy, she's not. Let's just say she's braver than you think. Not the perfect goody-two-shoes everything think she's supposed to be. 

I enjoyed reading about Isla. She's a character that doesn't have plans for her future. She doesn't know what college, what major.....and I can connect with that. She doesn't stand out in the spotlight, yet Josh can still see her and fall in love with her.

Josh - Ahhh. The artist. He's tall. :) Yep. First thing I remembered. 6'1". Perfect height. He's a bit of a romantic. Definitely a boy you want to date. When he cares for something, he does it with all his might. Uses all his willpower and strength. Emotionally. Physically. Everything. 

Josh reminds me of something soft. Something to cuddle with when you're feeling sad or even happy. He's someone people need in their lives to keep them running and going. 

Although Josh seems like a bad student, ditching class and everything, he's not. The adventures he goes on is awesome, definitely fun to read. I would actually do that myself! IF I even could. :) 

Like Stephanie Perkins said, Isla is different from Anna and Lola. She has less of a personality. More of unsure about things. And Isla's romance starts in the beginning. Then, problems build up. I think the time span for the conflict part was really short, but the story was longer. 

I really liked seeing Isla changing throughout the book, being more sure of herself, being stronger. It's nice seeing a boy like Josh and Isla together. They are the hidden types. In a way, they're not like Anna and Etienne, in the spotlight. They're the type that's totally in love with each and they don't need anyone to know. Not like Anna and Etienne brags about their relationship.....do they? 

Kurt - While we're here, let's add Kurt, Isla's best friend...whose a guy with autism. In the beginning, Kurt is Isla's backbone. They rely on each other. They're just good friends. No romance. Then we get to see things change as Josh steps in. Not problems like being in between their friendship. We get to see how all these individual characters change.

Okay. Now that I'm done with the super lumpy character descriptions, let's move on to the romance. Yep. I must say, this romance took even a bigger step farther into the high school atmosphere than Anna and Lola. More dramatic. More realistic, intimate relationships. Anna was completely innocent compared to this. But it's real. Isla and the Happily Ever After leaves you feeling like you're floating on a cloud. Not on a bright, beautiful day. But a cloudy one. The good kind. As much as I hate cloudy days, I sometimes find it reassuring in the darkness, especially when it's raining outside. Listening to the rain as it hits the roof. It makes the house feel warm and cozy. That's what Isla's romance feel like. 

Overall Thoughts:
It was a nice conclusion to the trilogy. I think it's a trilogy, right? Especially at the gathering of all the characters, where they all met each other. It was a super short meeting, but definitely worthwhile. 

Anna and Etienne. I just have to talk about them again. Because, even after all these couples, only 3 really, I still think they're the best couple. Plus, I LOVE Anna. She's a really bright, friendly person to meet. A funny friend. Someone I would love to be friends with. And despite everything, (ignore St. Clair's height), I really really like his charisma. He's hilarious. He and Anna are so perfect for each other! I so happy for these two. I will never get enough of them!

Lola and Cricket. Of course they appeared, looking funky and creative. :) I must say, I didn't really connect with this couple as much, but I was happy they were there. :)

Isla and Josh. The cutesy romantic ones. :) Deep love over here. They're learning how to move on and live their life. 

When you think of all of this, it feels like your babies are growing up. That's probably what Stephanie Perkins feel. You're happy they're off to see the world, but you're sad they won't be home as often. They won't come to you every morning asking for breakfast or something. Or at least that's how I've always imagined things. Not that I've experienced anything before. 

Another thing before this review ends, Meredith needs her own story. She seems so lonely. Like the odd one out. I think she deserves one herself. 

AAANNNND. It comes to an end. It's like being on an adventure with all these people, knowing them more than anyone. And our road has come to an end. We have reached our destination. :) Good bye~

The Rating :(1-10): 9

Well, that was a weird review there. Okay. I'm back to normal!

Happy Reading~

Astounding August Releases~

So many amazing new releases for August! 

:D Especially excited for Isla and the Happily Ever After~

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3)

by Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: August 14th, 2014

My Thoughts: OMG! It's finally here! Stephanie Perkins creates the cutest characters ever. Every time I reread Anna and the French Kiss, I refall in love with Etienne St. Clair. But I heard Josh was even better!! So really can't wait to read about Isla and Josh's lovely romance in PARIS. :D

Tagline: From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. 

Opposition (Lux #5)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: August 5th, 2014

My Thoughts: I haven't been keeping up with this series, but the first book was an entertaining, fun read. :) Book 5's synopsis sounds good. A lover's betrayal. Hmm. :) Hope the fans are excited! I wonder how this series is though. 

Tagline: Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

The Rule of Thoughts (The Mortality Doctrine #2)

by James Dashner

Release Date: August 26th, 2014

My Thoughts: The Maze Runner anyone? Well, this isn't the Maze Runner, but the movie is coming out NEXT MONTH!! DYLAN O'BRIEN! AND THE MAZE LOOKS AWESOME. Okay. I actually haven't been reading James Dashner's new series, but it's worth mentioning the second book is coming out soon!! :D 

Tagline: Michael completed the Path. What he found at the end turned everything he’d ever known about his life—and the world—completely upside down.

Ugly Love

by Collen Hoover

Release Date: August 5th, 2014

My Thoughts: This is definitely either new adult or adult. But since it's was a popular new release on Goodreads, I'm going to feature it too. :) I don't remember reading any of Colleen Hoover's books, so no idea how her writing style works.

Tagline: When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. 

Messenger of Fear 

by Michael Grant

Release Date: August 26th, 2014

My Thoughts: 

I mean, it's Michael Grant. What can I say? Not that much. Because I haven't read much of his books. I read Gone, I thought it was pretty good. And Eve and Adam. But yannoe, just featuring the new releases. 

Tagline:  I remembered my name – Mara. But, standing in that ghostly place, faced with the solemn young man in the black coat with silver skulls for buttons, I could recall nothing else about myself.

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

by Rick Riordan

Release Date: August 19th, 2014

My Thoughts: I love Percy Jackson's sarcastic remarks. Totally entertaining. And those Greek gods also happen to be hilarious. Love Greek myth. More importantly, love me some more Percy Jackson. :D <33

Tagline: Who could tell the origin stories of the gods of Olympus better than a modern-day demigod? 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories: The Shadow Cats, The Shattered Mountain, & The King's Guard

by Rae Carson

Release Date: August 26th, 2014

My Thoughts: The novellas are out~ Or they've been out. They're just together now. :) #0.5 - 0.7. I haven't read book two and three yet thought, much less novellas. But :) You know the drill. 

Tagline:  Ummm. Too lazy to type them all. Or copy and paste them all. SOO....

Gates of Thread and Stone (#1)

by Lori M. Lee

Release Date: August 5th, 2014

My Thoughts: The cover looks similar to Clockwork Princess. :) And the "brother" part. I love high fantasy books, so I'll definitely love this book if it also has a fabulous writing style, plot, and character. Which is totally hard to ask for. I'm definitely willing to give it a try though. :D

Tagline: In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.

So that's it for my post for August. 

Be sure to leave a comment if there is another August release you are excited about! :)

Happy Reading~

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss 

by Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: December 20th, 2010

Publisher: Dutton

Content: YA 

Hardcover, 372 pages

Get a Copy:

      B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:  Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

"It was one of those 'since no one better is around, do you wanna make out?' "

LOL. ANNA. I never do that with my best friend. Lmao. 

Cindy's Review:

At a Glance/The Cover:

The title was very suggestive. I thought it was an NA book, but apparently not. It was not. It was oh so perfect! Omg. My feels. St. Clair. Omg. I thought the setting of Paris being love city would be cheesy but it was perfection. :D

"Hey. Scrubbing is underrated."

They can be so random sometimes. But it sure is. 

The Characters/My Opinion:

Anna - I like her. She was funny and made a really good, explaining narrator. And her crush on St. Clair wasn't too obsessed, yet she like him. :) And well, her hilarious, perky attitude definitely spiced things up! 

"Your first weekend without parental supervision in Paris? And you want to spend it in your bedroom? Alone?"

They're right and you're wrong. And really though. They really do have a point. 

 

Etienne St. Clair - Omg. I love this guy! Haha. In my head, he acts very French but he's not. Either way, he's such an amazing guy. He's funny. Hilarious. Cocky. Friendly. Perfect for Anna. I really like how the author made him short and friendly. Because all the those dream guys are buff, tall, sexy, arrogant, etc. Like total opposite of St. Clair. St. Clair is really charming and kind. I never really thought I would like guys like that but I would kill for him just being my friend. :)

He's like the best friend you had never had before. SO YES. I really do like St. Clair's character.

St. Clair and Anna make like the best couple ever. Eek! So glad I read this book! :)

"I am not wearing a bra."

That's all you can think of, huh?  

Anna and St. Clair are like the most important characters, but the extra characters are Josh, Rashmi, Mer, and Ellie. They are all part of St. Clair's group. Josh and Rashmi are dating. Mer has a crush on St. Clair. Anna knows it but she can't help liking St. Clair either way. Mer and Anna live right next to each other. Ellie is St. Clair's current girlfriend. She is one year older than all of them. Josh is one year younger than all of them. 

"Oh it's okay. You can touch anything of mine you want."

*silent laughter. Girl, that sure came out wrong! 

Then there's Dave. He's another guy in Anna's grade. Or maybe he was a junior? I forgot. He 'likes' Anna. But he's turns out to be a big bully and a big fat liar. And a bastard. Please mind my language but he is. 

Then there's also the people in Anna's life that is in Atlanta, where she is originally from. Bridge, Anna's best friend in Atlanta. Toph, the boy Anna likes in Atlanta. Matt, Anna's kinda ex-best friend. I think they're still friends. And Cherrie, Matt's girlfriend.

"I moan with pleasure."

Guys. Don't get this wrong. She's just having a food orgasm. *wiggles eyebrows. 

Either way, these are minor characters. The most important ones are of course, our main couple here and the ones in Paris.

"Which means the two of us will be here for the four-day weekend. Alone."

Mhmm. I see where you're going gurl. 

And lemme explain St. Clair's name while we're at that. Everyone calls St. Clair by his last name. So I do to. LOL. Cuz the name Etienne is especially reserved for Anna. Only Anna calls him that. 

"Beautiful. He called me beautiful! But wait. I don't like Dave."

Omg. Gurl. Get your head straight. When there's a St. Clair in front of you, everyone else is invisible.

My opinions? I lurve this book! This plot. This story. This romance. And these characters. Perfection!

"...while St. Clair scoots between Meredith and me."

He always, always sit next to you Anna. Don't you ever notice? 

Overall Thoughts:

YA ROMANCE, anyone? THIS ONE IS FOR YOU. Yep. It's cute. I really like how all this takes place in Paris? And then it's gonna go back to where I live in Lola and the Boy Next Door, so....wait for that review!

"You know, I've heard you actually have to have sex to get pregnant."

Omg. I feel embarrassed for her. 

The Rating: (1-10): 9.5 :)

**Okay. Guys. There were way much more quotes than this but no more space. These were only the quotes in the beginning. And near the middle. So I guess that's kinda good. I don't get to spoil anything. But yep. Hope the quotes gave you an idea of how funny and happy this book makes you. And Anna? Anna is just plain hilarious. Though I still like St. Clair the best. 

Happy Reading :D